His arms seem to come out of nowhere. In a mass of bodies trying to grab a rebound, Jason Maxiell's long extension and large hands allow him to come away with the basketball.

UC basketball player Jason Maxiell grabs the ball over Donald Little during practice at the Shoemaker Center Monday. (Photo by Craig Ruttle) | ZOOM |

        Sometimes, the University of Cincinnati freshman dunks it before returning to ground. Other times, he'll come down, then loft a soft floater into the basket.

        “I've never seen a freshman that jumps as high as he does,” UC senior Steve Logan said. “He finishes everything. He's either going to dunk, or he's going to get fouled.”

        The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Maxiell could be the rebounder the Bearcats lacked last season. He is strong, aggressive and powerful. He said he has a 7-3 wingspan when he spreads out his arms.

        Nobody is shy about discussing how good he is and how good he can become. “Potentially, he could be a monster,” Bearcats coach Bob Huggins said. “He's a potential MVP of the league.”

        Maxiell averaged 22.5 points, 13.3 rebounds and 5.7 blocks as a senior at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas.

        He had career highs of 37 points and 21 rebounds. He recorded two triple-doubles (at least 10 points, rebounds and blocks). He was district defensive player of the year twice and was first-team all-state as a senior.

        “He's a freshman, but his instincts are way ahead a couple of years,” Logan said. “His reaction to certain things, going to get a block or a dunk off the rim, it's naturally there for him.”

        Not only his ability excites the UC staff. So do his demeanor, attitude and work ethic. Maxiell has been in Cincinnati all summer, gaining 15 pounds to his body and adding 55 pounds to his bench press (to 250).

        When he plays, there is little change in his facial expression. The emotion is inside, he said.

        “If I get my shot blocked, I really don't care that much,” Maxiell said. “I'll just come back hard on offense — I may get a dunk or make a jump shot — and just play hard on defense.”

        Said assistant coach Dan Peters: “He wants to be good. He takes coaching really well. And when things get a little bit tougher for him, he tries to fight through it. For a freshman who's 18 years old, that's positive.”

        Maxiell was the prize of last year's recruiting class, ranked as high as No.18 in the country by one scouting service. If he doesn't start, he will be the first big man off the bench. Either way, the Bearcats expect him to help right away.

        “Because he had such a great summer, he's going to have a terrific impact,” Huggins said. “If the first day of practice is any indication, he's going to be one of our top three inside guys.

        “He's a lot like Kenyon (Martin) was. He doesn't say anything. He listens. He's comparable to Kenyon from the degree of wanting to learn and wanting to be a good player and just being a good person.”

        Maxiell has already created a buzz among UC fans. He didn't disappoint when he easily won the slam-dunk contest during Midnight Madness.

        “I like people to come see me as a freshman,” Maxiell said. “It lets me know they think I can help the team out and they have confidence in me.

        “This year, I just want to get stronger and help the team with rebounds. I'm not worried about scoring this year, but next year ...”

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