BY MIKE DeCOURCY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ask coach Bob Huggins which seniors will be most difficult to replace, and the answer might not be Bobby Brannen or Ruben Patterson. It could be Joe Roberts.

Roberts, 23, has been a manager for the Cincinnati Bearcats for the past five seasons. On game days, he arrives at UC at 6:30 a.m. and, including time spent in classes, doesn't leave until well after 10:30. He said he became a manager because he didn't want to join a fraternity, ''But I wanted to stay busy.''

A native of Mansfield, Ohio, who will graduate in August and plans to pursue an M.B.A., Roberts has become such an integral part of UC basketball it seems as though he is more staff member than student manager.

He does not hesitate when asked what has made his five years worthwhile: ''Getting to know him,'' Roberts said, pointing to Huggins. ''My father being back in Mansfield, it's better to have one down here, too.''

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