Martin, 38, was hired by UC coach Bob Huggins as an assistant coach late last summer to replace associate head coach Dan Peters, who left for a similar position at Ohio State. He already has made an impact on the program by securing an oral commitment from 6-foot-10 high school center Abdul Herrera.

Now, just a few weeks before the Nov. 19 season opener against Valparaiso, he's settling into his on-court role as a coach whose chief responsibility is working with the UC big men after spending the previous four seasons as an assistant at Northeastern.

"I believe in a lot of the same principals that 'Huggs' believes in as far as teaching the game," Martin said, "and the way he makes demands on the court and then the way he cares (about his players) so much off the court."

Martin had to feel his way through practice at first, largely because he's the new guy on the staff.

"You can't come in here and claim that you have the answers to save the whole world, because this place has been pretty successful without my input," Martin said. "As time goes on and I become more familiar with the players and players with me, it makes things easier."

The biggest difference, Martin said, between coaching at UC and at Northeastern, is the caliber of athlete he's working with now.

At Northeastern, there were only two or three players who had an outside shot at playing in the NBA. "The rest of the players were hard- working, talented kids that just don't have that extra gear to make sure they're a pro."

WILLIAMS UPDATE: Senior guard Nick Williams, who on Oct. 11 underwent surgery on his left thumb to repair ligament damage, is on track to return in time for the opener against Valparaiso.

Williams has been practicing with the team as much as he can with two pins in his thumb. The pins are scheduled to be removed a few days before the Valpo game. After that, Williams said, he should be able to play, although he'll have to wear a brace to protect the thumb.

He shoots on the side, runs with his teammates and takes part in any drill that doesn't risk contact with this thumb.

Williams' shooting is remarkably accurate given that he can't use his left hand to help secure the ball for his right-handed shot.

"I'm kind of learning to work around it," he said. "Hopefully it will help my shot. We'll see."

Williams averaged 6.7 points a game last season.

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com