By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

University of Cincinnati basketball recruit Robert Whaley was arrested Tuesday and charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery in connection with an incident that occurred early on Feb. 9 in Barton County, Kan., after a basketball homecoming game against Garden City Community College.

"We had a couple of people from Garden City Community College who were assaulted after a dance," said Gary Vaughan, Barton County undersheriff. "Mr. Whaley was identified as one of the people doing the assaulting. We may have other arrests coming."

Whaley was arrested on the Barton County Community College campus just outside Great Bend, Kan., and was jailed before a $10,000 bond was posted Tuesday night.

Whaley, a 6-10 sophomore center and two-time junior college All-American, averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. He signed a letter of intent with UC last fall and is considered the centerpiece of coach Bob Huggins' incoming recruiting class.

According to Vaughan, two Garden City students were hospitalized after the incident.

"It was kind of a brawl," Vaughan said.

If Whaley pleads not guilty at his arraignment, a preliminary hearing will be held to determine if there's enough evidence to warrant a jury trial.

Vaughan said the police report indicated that the leg of a chair or something resembling a baseball bat was used in the assault.

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com