Steve Logan has two qualities that have endeared him to University of Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins. He wants to be a point guard, and he wants to be UC's point guard.
A 5-11 senior at Lakewood St. Edward High in suburban Cleveland, Logan has committed to join the Bearcats for the 1998-99 basketball season. He is a four-year starter at the point for a team considered a strong contender for a state championship.
''I like controlling the tempo, running the show while I'm out there, directing the guys and seeing us come out victorious,'' said Logan, who plans to sign a letter of intent in April. ''Cincinnati is a good program, and I think I can become a great player there.''
Logan is a candidate for Mr. Basketball in Ohio and was named to the all-tournament team at the prestigious Slam Dunk to the Beach tournament in Delaware. He participated in the adidas ABCD Camp last summer. St. Edward is 22-1 and ranked No. 7 in the nation by USA Today.
He joins a recruiting class that consists of: 6-foot-5 wing Cory Powell of Independence (Kan.) Community College; 6-6 forward Pete Mickeal of Indian Hills (Iowa) C.C.; 6-7 forward Eugene Land of Roger Bacon; 6-10 center Donald Little of the Winchendon (Mass.) School and 6-7 forward Jermaine Tate, a transfer from Ohio State who practiced with the Bearcats this spring.
UC had been recruiting other highly regarded point guards like Brandon Dean of Monroe, La., and Kevin Braswell of Maine Central Institute. Logan told the school a month ago he wanted to become a Bearcat, and the UC coaches offered a scholarship this past week.
Logan still is competing with St. Edward in the state Division I playoffs. The team has played six nationally ranked teams this season and has beaten five.
''I think he's the best player in the state,'' said coach Eric Flannery, adding he expects Logan will qualify for freshman eligibility. ''He's one of those kids that I'm going to miss the most. He's a floor leader, an ideal point guard. He can handle the ball, get you into your offense, shoot the ball. He always wants the ball in his hands, especially in crucial situations. And, as a coach, I want him to have the ball.''
Logan is an exceptional free throw shooter, hitting better than 90 percent of his attempts, and 24.3 points and 5.5 assists.
''I've got some big kids on my team, and he's stronger than they are,'' said Flannery, whose power forward, Sam Clancy Jr., signed with Southern California. ''He's deceivingly quick, because he almost looks like he's going at a slow speed, and then he knows when to blow by you.''
UC roared in, staggered out March 16, 1998
SEASON IN STORIES
