Dec. 18
Bob Huggins has posted six straight seasons with 25 or more wins at Cincinnati. Think about it ... we are talking about big-time consistency. He always shows intensity; when his team was up 19 points in the second half against Xavier recently, he looked more like his team was down 19.

Some experts felt this could be a bit of a down year for the Bearcats. Let me tell you something: This may not be Huggins' most talented team -- and there have been times when Cincinnati has not shot well from the perimeter -- but this team will win a lot of games.

	Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins is one of several big-name coaches in C-USA. Others include Louisville's Rick Pitino and Memphis' John Calipari.

The Bearcats have won eight in a row after opening with a loss to nationally ranked Oklahoma State. Cincinnati can dominate with its defense. Huggins' squad can create offense off of its opponents' turnovers.

When you hold an opponent to 30 to 35 percent from the field, and you convert off of their mistakes, that's a tough combination to beat. The D will make Cincy stand out, and that can be a big factor come tournament time.

Huggins does a great job teaching defense. That's one reason why Cincinnati will be among the nation's leaders in field-goal defense all season long.

I've also been impressed with Cincinnati's ability to dominate on the offensive boards. They've had problems with executing their offense and with passing, but second and third chances can offset those mistakes.

The top scoring threat for the Bearcats is Steve Logan, last season's Conference USA player of the year. He can flat-out shoot the basketball -- you don't see many guys who can stroke the ball from the perimeter like Logan can. Not only is he a big-time scorer, but his assists are also up. He's a legitimate All-America candidate.

Cincinnati will be tough if Leonard Stokes and Immanuel McElroy are on top of their games, like they were against Xavier. Stokes has a nice medium-range jumper. Both can be effective from the wing position.

Jamaal Davis can be a defensive factor. He did a good job on David West before the Xavier power forward was injured. Freshman Jason Maxiell has star potential; he is quick, athletic and has long arms, an asset for a defender and shot-blocker.

If Huggins can get productivity inside from Donald Little and B.J. Grove, watch out. It won't be easy in Conference USA, which has lots of talented players and well-regarded coaches like Rick Pitino, John Calipari and company.

Cincinnati is a team to keep an eye on. The Bearcats got a Top 25 vote from me this week.