He might not be as vocal. He might not be as animated. But when the University of Cincinnati basketball team practices Saturday, its fiery leader will be right there.

        Coach Bob Huggins, who is beginning his 14th year with the Bearcats, is expected to be at Shoemaker Center when practices begin for the 2002-03 season.

        “The question is, who's going to handle the seat belt?” associate head coach Dan Peters said with a smile.

        Huggins was released from Christ Hospital on Monday morning, nine days after suffering a heart attack at Pittsburgh International Airport.

        UC athletic director Bob Goin said Monday afternoon that Huggins will be well enough “to observe” and “instruct” the Bearcats on the first day Division I teams are permitted to practice.

        “There is no question that at first I don't anticipate him running up and down the court chasing any of our players,” Goin said. “I'm hoping he'll find time to sit down and not stand the whole practice. It's going to be controlled, but it's going to be controlled by him.”

        Huggins had been at Christ since transferring from The Medical Center, Beaver (Pa.) last Wednesday.

        In a statement released by Christ Hospital on Monday, cardiologist Dr. Dean Kereiakes said Huggins “experienced significant heart muscle damage, however tests performed under my supervision were encouraging and show objective evidence of improvement. Bob is making tremendous progress and tests show that he should recover further.

        “Mr. Huggins will be monitored continually and proceed with further treatment and management of care. He will begin cardiac rehabilitation and was prescribed heart medication designed to improve heart muscle and reduce his risk of future attacks.”

        It was already announced that Huggins would appear at “Breakfast with Bob,” an open-to-the-public introduction to the UC team Saturday morning.

        Huggins told the players, when they visited him last Friday, that he planned to be present for the start of practices.

        “Of course you notice when Huggs is there,” 6-foot-10 junior Derek Hollman said. “I love my teammates and I love the coaching staff, but Huggs just brings it to the table and motivates you non-stop. The hair raises on the back of your neck actually. When Huggs says it's time to go, it's time to go.”

        Sophomore Jason Maxiell said some of the players might respond better with Huggins present, but for him it doesn't matter as much. “He taught us how to play hard when he's around and when he's not around,” Maxiell said. “If he's not around, somebody's watching and he's going to get on us later on.”

        Said Peters: “When the head coach walks in, the whole atmosphere usually changes. That's not saying players don't give respect to assistants or other people, but most of these kids come here because of Bob Huggins. They want to play for him, they want to be coached by him, they want his expertise. If you want to simplify it, they're seeking his approval about their game.

        “(His presence) is important.”

Familiar figure is preparing to coach UC's bowl chances rest with road performance Southern Miss-UC game moved to 1 p.m.

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