By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Florida transfer James White said Friday the University of Cincinnati is currently his first choice as he considers where he'll resume his college basketball career.

White, a 6-foot-7 forward and former McDonald's All-American, watched the Bearcats practice at Shoemaker Center. He plans to spend the weekend in Cincinnati, then visit Missouri before making his decision within two weeks.

"This is definitely the leader right now," White said. "They've always been the leader. I'm real impressed with the facilities, the coaches and the players, the whole situation. I'm looking forward to being here this weekend and seeing them play and practice."

White was so highly regarded coming out of high school that some recruiting analysts projected him as a player who would play only a year or two before declaring for the NBA draft. But he averaged only 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 20.5 minutes last year at Florida.

White said he favored UC because of its style of play.

"I'm an intense player," he said. "I like their intensity, especially on defense. I like a running, open style of basketball."

If White enrolls at UC for winter quarter, which begins in January, he could practice with the Bearcats and be eligible next December at the end of the fall quarter.

GROVE UPDATE: B.J. Grove, the 6-11 center banished from UC's program by coach Bob Huggins until he reduces his weight below 270 pounds, resurfaced around the basketball offices this week.

Grove talked with Huggins on Thursday, but UC's coach said he still doesn't expect him to play this season.

"He's not playing until he's 270," Huggins said. "I would be totally, totally shocked (if he returned). It's hard to lose weight if you don't break a sweat."

HAWAIIAN SHIRT NIGHT: In conjunction with the UC football team's game tonight at Hawaii, the Bearcats are offering a $5 discount on adult tickets to all fans who wear a Hawaiian shirt to tonight's basketball game.

The discount applies only to tickets purchased at the door.