Jamaal Davis never stopped hearing about the University of Cincinnati's rebounding deficiencies last season. Coaches, media, fans and even friends provided constant reminders of UC's most glaring weakness.

        “We got a lot of flak from it,” the senior power forward said. “I think us big guys personally are going to take a big part in trying to be a better rebounding group.”

        Just to recap:

        • The 2000-01 team was Bob Huggins' first at UC to get outrebounded for the season.

        • In nine of UC's 10 losses, it was outrebounded.

        • When the Bearcats were at least even in rebounding, they were 18-1.

        UC at times was pushed around, at times outhustled and at times out of position. Notre Dame outrebounded the Bearcats by 13, Marquette by 12 and Charlotte by 16 in the Conference USA Tournament final.

        “I think, overall, it's just wanting the ball,” said the 6-foot-8, 235-pound Davis, who described his own rebounding stats (4.2 per game) as “pretty poor for a guy my size.” He averaged 9.4 boards as a sophomore at Barton County (Kan.) Community College.

        All of which begs the question: Will this team be any better?

        “Probably time will tell, but they know they've got to rebound,” assistant coach Dan Peters said. “Let's face it, there were times we didn't even go to the boards hard. Now at least we're going to the boards hard.”

        Midway through last sea son, the big men started working out before practices in a drill that had strength coaches and football players pounding away with big, heavy pads as Huggins' players tried to pick up balls, make shots and establish position.

        The Bearcats' front-line players have been going through that most days this fall a half-hour before practice.

        “I won't say I like it, but I don't dislike it,” center Donald Little said. “Once you get used to the contact, nothing can stop you, really.”

        Little was the leading rebounder last season at 5.6 a game. He averaged just 23 minutes, frequently because of foul trouble. He must play smarter to stay on the court longer and increase his productivity.

        The No.2 rebounder was departed point guard Kenny Satterfield (4.7). Huggins said wings Leonard Stokes and Immanuel McElroy (who combined for 7.2 rpg last season) will be counted on more to rebound.

        Jason Maxiell, a 6-7 freshman, is expected to make a difference. He is still raw offensively and has plenty to learn, but his long arms and instincts have players and coaches believing he will help right away. Derek Hollman, a 6-10 junior, has been bothered by a sore shoulder since practices started, and it's unclear how much he will contribute.

        Huggins believes the bench is a great motivator and lamented several times last season that he could not sit players down because he had no nobody else available who could step up.

        “We are in that same position,” he said. “We've been in that same position because we don't have everyday guys, guys you can count on every day. ... Donald's made improvement. Max is trying. Derek's hurt. What can you do?”

        Peters' solution: Bench players who aren't getting the job done. Period.

        “If they don't get there, let's just put somebody else in,” he said. “In the past, that's how it always was. When I was with (Huggins) at Walsh, I'm telling you, if you didn't rebound, you sat. It was simple.

        “Here's the whole key: Are you making an effort to rebound the ball? Not did you get it, but are you making an effort to get it? If you do that, you can play. If you don't make an effort, then go sit down.”

        Forwards Rod Flowers, Jimmy Hubbard and Rodney Crawford all have to rebound and play defense to get minutes.

        Last season, UC was able to compensate at times because it averaged just 10.9 turnovers a game.

        Imagine, Peters said, if the Bearcats can maintain that and improve their rebounding.

        “For sure, there's a difference,” Peters said. “But how much? I don't know. I think it's better than what it's been. Hopefully, it will carry over to the games. I think it's got to.”

UC playing board games Get photos with UC players XU, UC women play basketball exhibitions tonight

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