By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - B.J. Grove's on-again, off-again relationship with the UC basketball program is back on. But the center must slim down to 270 pounds before he can play.

Grove, a 6-foot-11 senior who has twice left the program - once of his own volition - traveled here Monday for UC's game against fifth-ranked Oregon tonight in the Jimmy V Classic.

It's unclear what his presence means for his future and for the Bearcats' prospects this season.

"We just brought him along because he makes us look better in the airport," UC coach Bob Huggins said.

Jokes aside, it's obvious the Bearcats' coach thinks enough of Grove's chances of rejoining the team to include him on this trip.

Grove, who was 294 pounds at his most recent weigh-in, has been ordered by Huggins to lose weight. By taking Grove on the road, the Bearcats' staff can monitor his progress and make sure he continues his workouts.

"It will be easier to keep him away from the donut shops if he is with us as opposed to back in Cincinnati by himself," Huggins said.

Grove didn't practice with the team when it arrived here Monday morning, but did work out at the arena, running steps and doing sprints.

Later, when the team returned to its hotel, Grove could be seen in the fitness room running on a treadmill, with Huggins working out alongside him.

Grove declined to comment about his status. The Cincinnati native withdrew from the Bearcats' program last fall, but he returned in December to play in 15 games. When his weight swelled this fall, Huggins instituted the 270-pound rule.

"He probably would have put weight on if we left him home," said UC associate head coach Dan Peters. "He's got to do what he's supposed to do. We're trying to help him."

Grove, a Cincinnati native who attended Woodward High School for his freshman and sophomore seasons, played in 34 games for UC two years ago and started 21 of them. He averaged 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game.

Grove withdrew from the Bearcats' program last fall, but he returned in December to play in 15 games. When his weight swelled this fall, Huggins instituted the 270-pound rule.

If Grove does work himself into playing shape, he could provide a boost in the post for UC's front line.

The Bearcats have received very little production from their current post players - Kareem Johnson, Derek Hollman and Rod Flowers.