Cincinnati's Antwan Jones heard talk that he would not be healthy enough to play in games until next month, and he could only shake his head.

        The 6-foot-8 junior forward from Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College broke his right foot in May and had surgery Oct.2 because the bone had not healed. But he is targeting Saturday's game against Notre Dame in Indianapolis as his return date.

        “I hope so,” he said. “That's what I'm looking forward to. I'm not looking for mid-December. I'm trying to get back before that.”

        This past week, Jones removed the protective boot from his foot to participate in some light non-contact drills with the Bearcats. Mostly, he worked out by himself on a side court and continued stretching exercises.

        Athletic trainer Jayd Grossman said Jones will begin contact drills this week and an appearance next weekend “wouldn't be out of the question.”

        Jones said he has no pain other than stiffness and soreness because his foot is not used to activity.

        On Friday, he shed the boot for good. He could have dressed for Saturday's season opener against Boise State but opted not to. He likely will dress Tuesday night against Marshall.

        “They're trying to give it some more time just to be cautious, because they don't want to mess it up again like I did in junior college,” Jones said. “The first time, I wasn't careful. I kept playing on it while it was still broken. This is the second time, and I've got to get it right. But I'm getting tired of watching.”

        CROWD CONTROL: UC's streak of 21 straight home sellouts came to an end. Saturday night's crowd was 12,681; Shoemaker Center holds 13,176.

        SPRING FEVER: The Bearcats, who could have everyone returning next season, finished the fall recruiting period with just one new player, power forward Jason Maxiell from Carrollton, Texas.

        The Bearcats have two scholarships available and will concentrate on big men and the best available players. Their main target is 7-foot center Moustapha Diagne from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.

        UP NEXT: UC plays host to Marshall at 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. The Thundering Herd opened their season with a 109-75 victory over the University of Charleston on Friday night. Tamar Slay scored 23 for Marshall, and J.R. Van Hoose added 23.

Bearcats 'bowl' over So. Miss UC's defense takes over UC 73, Boise State 61 Injured Jones counting on early return

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