University of Cincinnati assistant basketball coach Keith LeGree was a little more than disappointed when the Minnesota Twins lost to the Anaheim Angels in the American League Championship Series. LeGree was a member of the Twins' organization for seven years.

        LeGree was drafted the same year as pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. He roomed with Twins outfielder Torii Hunter and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. He remains close friends with third baseman Corey Koskie. He also played with pitchers Eddie Guardado and Brad Radke, catcher A.J. Pierzynski and outfielder Jacque Jones.

        LeGree, 30, is older than all except Guardado.

        “Every year, we were in the playoffs with that team,” LeGree said. “That's why I'm not surprised. They're a very, very talented team. Those guys are going to be there for a while.”

        LeGree was selected by the Twins in the third round of the 1991 draft out of Statesboro (Ga.) High School.

        In 1998, LeGree left baseball and returned to UC to finish requirements for his degree. UC coach Bob Huggins hired him as the team's video coordinator.

        LeGree left to work at Wabash Valley College, then Hartford as an assistant coach. In 2000, Huggins hired LeGree as a full-time assistant to - among other things - help with recruiting.

        “After seven years, I was getting burned out with (baseball),” LeGree said. “I have no regrets. I'm enjoying my life doing what I'm doing right now, doing what I love. I wouldn't change anything.”

        SPEAKING OF OTHER SPORTS: Bearcats senior point guard Taron Barker is a big tennis fan. It says so right in the media guide.

        “I like all kinds of sports,” he said. “Tennis. Football. Soccer. I sit down and watch tennis all the time. I just flipped on the TV and watched it and started liking it.”

        Barker's favorite is Pete Sampras, holder of a record 14 Grand Slam titles. Not a bad choice.

        “Every time he plays, he plays hard,” Barker said. “He could be down 4-1 and he never gives up. He always keeps his composure. He always stays focused.”

        HUGGINS' HEALTH: CBS.SportsLine.com reported that Friday morning, Huggins had an internal defibrillator surgically placed in his chest. The device would shock Huggins' heart back to normal should it ever fall out of rhythm, the report said. Huggins spent Thursday night in the hospital and watched Friday's practice at Moeller High School from the stands.

        RECRUITING TALK: In ESPN's most recent rankings of recruiting efforts for the class of 2003, the Bearcats are No. 3 in the country behind No. 1 Arizona and No. 2 Louisville and just ahead of No. 4 Memphis.

        UC's ranking is based just on the verbal commitments of Robert Whaley and Nick Williams, two preseason junior college All-Americans.

        E-mail: mperry@enquirer.com

Southern Miss 23, UC 14 UC Notebook: LeGree keeps eye on baseball teammates UC season tickets on sale College Update: Bashful Bearcat's goal is return to NCAAs

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