Sunday, November 05, 2000
UC Insider
Grove needs to show stuff in early games
By Michael Perry
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati's preseason games are as important for sophomore B.J. Grove as anyone on the roster. The 6-foot-11, 260-pound center has two weeks to show coach Bob Huggins he deserves to play.
“They're going to make me or break me,” Grove said. “I want to play. I want to help this team.”
Grove started at center Saturday night in UC's 129-73 exhibition victory over the California Southeast All-Stars and finished with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting and six rebounds in 25 minutes.
Huggins is looking for a primary backup postman for center Donald Little and power forward Jamaal Davis. Freshman Rod Flowers and Grove are the candidates.
“We need one of them,” said assistant coach Mick Cronin, who works with the Bearcats' big men. “B.J. has got to learn to play hard all the time. He has good days and bad. He's just got to string the good days together.”
Huggins said Grove had a better week of practice than Little. Grove said he was surprised to start. He was successful early, scoring on two short bank shots inside and stealing a pass in the first 3 1/2 minutes.
He did not do much again until the final 2:14 when he scored six points.
“I missed some open layups, which has been a problem,” Grove said. “I think I'm going to get it together before it's all said and done.”
Said Huggins: “I thought he played pretty good until he got tired. His conditioning is going to be an ongoing thing.”
Last year, Grove battled a weight problem throughout parts of the season. He ended up appearing in only 16 games, totaling 31 points and 28 rebounds.
He has soft hands and a nice shooting touch, but his weaknesses are rebounding and defense — the two things UC needs most for him to be on the court. He also needs to be more aggressive.
“I tend to go away from contact,” Grove said. “I need to go to the hole strong, basic big-man stuff. Just give me some time, I'll be all right.”
YOUNG BLOOD: Freshman Field Williams, who Huggins has said may be the best shooter on the team, nailed his first three 3-point attempts Saturday night. One from the right wing, then from the left corner, then the right corner. He finished with 11 points, three assists and no turnovers before fouling out with 6:43 left.
FACES IN THE CROWD: Anthony Roberson, among the top high school juniors in the country, was in attendance for UC's exhibition game.
The 6--2 point guard from Saginaw (Mich.) High School is ranked No.5 in the Class of 2002 by Dave Telep of Rivals100Hoops.com, and he's the No.1 point guard.
Roberson said he is being recruited by just about every major program and that right now he favors Cincinnati and Duke.
“I'm looking at Cincinnati real seriously,” he said. “I like Coach Huggins, and they play my style of ball. I'm getting real comfortable here. It seems like a real good place to play.”
It was Roberson's second visit to UC, but his first for a game. He said he hopes to sign a national letter of intent next fall.
ON HOLD: Walk-on Rodney Crawford (Withrow High School) is not eligible for the first quarter. He said some classwork did not transfer from Bakersfield (Calif.) College, where he played last season, and he needs to pass a certain number of hours in the first quarter to be eligible to play. He could be available Dec.11 or Dec.14.
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Grove needs to show stuff in early games
