By Bill Koch
Enquirer staff writer

Robert Whaley's University of Cincinnati basketball career may be over.

Brian Teter, UC's associate athletic director, said last week that Whaley, a 6-foot-11 center from Benton Harbor, Mich., needed to complete three credit hours this summer to be academically eligible for next fall and is not currently listed on the UC roster.

Whaley, who has not returned to UC following the players' summer break, said Monday that he plans to return in time to fulfill his academic requirements in the third summer term, which begins Aug. 9 and runs through Aug. 28.

He said he's been working hard on his game this summer and was looking forward to having a productive senior season for the Bearcats.

"I think I done talked enough," Whaley said. "I think it's time to show it."

But it may too late for that.

UC athletic director Bob Goin, when asked about Whaley on Monday, said it was unlikely that Whaley would return to the program.

"There are some other things he needs to do," Goin said. "My position right now is that I don't see at this hour that he can make it and come back and become eligible. There are some academic things and there are some other conditions."

Whaley, the centerpiece of UC's recruiting class last season, had a disappointing junior season last year after transferring from Barton County (Kan.) Community College, averaging only 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

After a strong start, he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Dec.  3 and was never much of a factor from that point.

He became frustrated and left the team Feb. 23, only to return for the Bearcats' two NCAA Tournament games.

Whaley says he has been working out on his own and playing with some friends in Chicago.

"I've been working my butt off," Whaley said. "I'm trying to make my game all a power game. I've been working in the post, on my hook shot, working on my turnaround jumper, things like that."

Apparently, he hasn't been quite so diligent in the classroom.

"I'm considering moving on without him," Goin said, "because of his academics."

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E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com