BY MIKE DeCOURCY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It's been a trying year for Bob Huggins, but a successful one. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

University of Cincinnati Bearcats coach Bob Huggins considers the last 12 months one of his toughest years in the business, but at least it's ending well.

Huggins was named national coach of the year by Basketball Times for leading UC to a 23-5 record and the Conference USA regular-season title.

Associate editor Dan Wetzel said Monday that Huggins earned the award for keeping UC at a championship level despite adversity that included losing four starters to suspensions totaling 23 games, including a 14-game penalty for Ruben Patterson.

This is the first national award Huggins has earned for his work in a season. He is favored to be named coach of the year by Conference USA Wednesday.

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