By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The day after freshman Chadd Moore impressed the University of Cincinnati coaching staff in his first start at point guard, Taron Barker reported that the soreness in his back had eased.

"It's feeling much better than two days ago," Barker said. "By Wednesday, I should be able to go."

On Wednesday, UC (7-3) opens Conference USA play at Shoemaker Center against DePaul. On Friday, UC coach Bob Huggins wouldn't answer whether Barker will regain his status as the Bearcats' starting point guard against the Blue Demons.

It depends, Huggins said, on "whoever plays best" in practice."

Barker spent Thursday night's 81-51 victory over Chattanooga rooted to the bench watching Moore play. When Moore came out of the game midway through the first half, Barker put his arm around him and offered advice.

"I just told him to keep his composure," Barker said, "to go out there and play like you've been practicing."

Moore scored 12 points, with eight assists, five rebounds and three turnovers in 26 minutes and ran the offense like a veteran.

"I wasn't surprised," Huggins said. "That's the way he practiced."

Barker said he was happy to see such proficiency in his absence.

"It was good to see that if I'm hurt or if I get in foul trouble, that someone can come in there to replace me," Barker said.

That sounds like someone who still considers the starting job to be his, but that's no longer the case. Moore might have not cemented the job with one solid performance, but he certainly put some heat on Barker.

A week ago, Barker was the only viable option at point guard. The senior was logging 34 minutes a game and statistically was playing well, averaging 7.1 points, 5.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds.

But Moore seemed to infuse the UC offense with an energy that was lacking under Barker's direction. There was more scoring in transition and more penetrating against the opposing defense.

Some of that can be attributed to Chattanooga's wide-open style, but a lot of it also had to do with Moore's quickness.

Based on Moore's performance, Huggins says the position is up for grabs.

"I think it's a healthy thing," Huggins said. "There's competition."

Moore's teammates, while careful not to criticize Barker, noticed a difference.

"Guys know that he's going to get the ball and push it," senior forward Leonard Stokes said.

But one impartial observer of Thursday's game said it's too early to give up on Barker.

"You show me a team that plays a freshman point guard, and I'll show you a team that struggles at times," Chattanooga coach Jeff Lebo said. "(Moore) is young. He's got a lot to learn. There's something about having a senior out there at the point. There's a lot to be said for that."

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com