By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The transformation in Kareem Johnson began shortly after the University of Cincinnati was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Gonzaga in March.

UC coach Bob Huggins addressed his players in the locker room and told them things would be different in 2003-04, that the Bearcats were going to run up and down the floor the way they used to.

Perhaps more than any other player in that locker room, Johnson took those words to heart.

"I knew if I wanted to play here," Johnson said, "I'd have to get in better shape."

As the offseason wore on, Johnson showed he was serious. At 6 feet 7, 250 pounds, he improved his bench press from 280 pounds to 350. He reduced his body fat from 15 percent to 9 percent.

When practice began Oct. 18, he looked like a different player.

"His approach has changed immensely," assistant coach Andy Kennedy said. "You want your seniors to have a sense of urgency about their game, and he's got one this year. I think he's figured things out a little bit."

Johnson, who's expected to relieve forward Jason Maxiell and center Rob Whaley, averaged only 2.4 points and 4.3 rebounds last season, his first after transferring from Chipola (Fla.) College.

Last Saturday, in UC's exhibition game against Northern Kentucky, he had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes.

Known as "Jabber" by his teammates - a nickname he picked up at Chipola because of the way he talks - Johnson is more outgoing and upbeat this season.

"I'm happy now," Johnson said. "Last year I was miserable. I had a feeling that nobody took me under their wing and taught me the system. I was just on my own. Practice started in October, then three weeks later it's the season. Everything moves so quick and they don't have time to wait for you."

It didn't help that he arrived at UC physically unprepared for what he was about to face.

"He wasn't in very good shape," Huggins said. "I think he thought he was going to play himself into shape. You worry about being tired and you don't retain very much."

No one at UC is prepared to declare that Johnson will blossom into a star this season. To go along with his double-double last week, he had four fouls in 17 minutes.

But what he has done in the preseason might be an indication that Johnson is prepared to make the most of his senior year.

"I tried last year, but I couldn't do it for a whole three hours of practice," Johnson said. "Now I can do it for every drill and every play."

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com