By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Vincent Banks will get his first look at the University of Cincinnati campus today when he arrives for his official visit, which coincides with Midnight Madness and the beginning of basketball practice.

Banks, a 6-foot-3 guard from South Atlanta (Ga.) High School, committed to UC in August without seeing the campus after Lima Shawnee's Jamar Butler reneged on his commitment. Banks is expected to sign a letter-of-intent during the early signing period that begins Nov. 12.

Emmanuel Willis, a 6-7 forward from Mendenhall, Miss., will also attend Midnight Madness tonight. Willis, who originally signed with Southern Miss but failed to meet freshman academic eligibility marks, is playing this year at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy, the same school that produced UC forward James White.

Willis is also considering Southern California, Virginia, Virginia Tech and South Carolina, said Hargrave coach Kevin Keatts.

"He's super athletic and can step out and shoot from 15 to 18 feet," Keatts said of Willis. "He's a good finisher and a solid rebounder. He's got a chance to be an extremely good basketball player."

Doors at Fifth Third Arena (Shoemaker Center) open at 10 tonight, with an autograph session at 10:30. The UC men's team will take the floor shortly after midnight and will conduct a 20-minute scrimmage. Admission is free.