By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Before they began practicing for this season, the University of Cincinnati men's and women's basketball teams did a little practicing for the off-the-court time they spend dealing with reporters.

Both teams met with The Speaking Specialists, a Chicago-based husband-wife team that provides media training for basketball teams.

Sue Castorino and Randy Minkoff worked with Kansas and Illinois before arriving at UC. They offer similar services for all NBA rookies.

"They showed our players the good things to do with the media and what not to do," UC associate athletic director Brian Teter said. "I think it's important for our student-athletes to learn how to deal with the media and other people outside the program.

"These guys are in the spotlight. This city doesn't have an NBA team. UC basketball is high-profile. They need to learn how to handle the media and other situations away from the court."

HUGGINS' NCAA RECORD: When UC begins competition in the Big East in 2005-06, Bob Huggins will find himself coaching in his fourth league since arriving at UC in 1989.

The Bearcats were in the Metro Conference when he arrived in 1989, helped found the Great Midwest in 1991 and moved to Conference USA in 1995.

"That's an NCAA record," Huggins said, "probably the only one I'll ever have."

FERRY VISITS: Former Duke star and NBA veteran Danny Ferry visited UC's practice Thursday. Ferry retired from the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs after last season and was named Spurs director of basketball operations.

Ferry watched Wednesday's showdown between LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and was unimpressed.

"(The game) showed you that it's a little overblown right now," he said. "But hopefully for the NBA and basketball in general, it's something that will blossom and become a real rivalry. We don't have anything like that right now."

He is, however, impressed with James.

"There aren't that many 18-year-olds ever that could say they're ready physically and on most nights he's going to be the most physically talented person on the court," Ferry said. "Along with that, you get the feeling that he knows how to play."

VARSITY VILLAGE DONATIONS: UC athletic director Bob Goin last week announced more donations worth $4 million toward the $80 million Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village athletic complex.

Mike Dever, president and CEO of Performance Honda; Jeff Wyler, president of the Wyler Auto Group; and Jim Amann, retired executive vice-president of Federated Department Stores, each pledged $1 million.

UCATS president Tom Dewey, along with longtime UC supporters Jack Brown and Dave Hersche, have agreed to raise $1 million together.

Recruiting update

UC expects to sign two players Wednesday, the first day of the fall signing period. Guard Vincent Banks and forward Roy Bright, who have committed to UC, are expected to make their commitments official that day.

Andy Kennedy, UC's recruiting coordinator, said the Bearcats will fill their remaining scholarship in the spring.

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com