Two high school players signed national letters of intent Wednesday to attend the University of Cincinnati: Eric Hicks, a 6-foot-6 forward from Greensboro (N.C.) Dudley High School, and Armein Kirkland, a 6-8 guard from Lee High School in Tyler, Texas.

        Huggins called Hicks a “Jason Maxiell-type of athlete” and “a Cincinnati kind of player.” He expects Hicks to contribute immediately as a small forward

        Huggins said Kirkland would play mostly shooting guard for the Bearcats.

        “He's got to learn to shoot it a little better, but he's long, athletic, a lot like (Leonard) Stokes but taller than Stokes,” Huggins said. “He has tremendous ball skills. He has the ability to be an outstanding player as he matures physically.”

        Chadd Moore from Oak Hill Academy has orally committed to UC and is expected to sign this week.

        Coaches can't talk about recruits until they sign a letter of intent.

        UC lost one player Wednesday when Alexander Johnson of Albany, Ga., who was considering signing with the Bearcats, instead signed a national letter of intent to attend Georgia.
       The Bearcats have two scholarships remaining and will be looking to sign one big man and one scorer in the spring.

       Athletic directors should fax (768-8550) or e-mail (sports@enquirer.com) to the Enquirer the names of athletes signing national letters-of-intent this week.

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