By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Two games into the season, the University of Cincinnati basketball staff is waiting for one of the Bearcats' six newcomers to distinguish himself.

Starting center Derek Hollman has yet to score a point. Eric Hicks, the heralded freshman, has scored one point as he makes the adjustment from high school to college and recovers from summer knee surgery.

Kareem Johnson, Armein Kirkland and Chadd Moore all still are trying to find their way.

Only guard Tony Bobbitt, a junior-college transfer, has indicated he's capable of making a significant contribution in the near future, and he has done so only in brief flashes.

"He's picking stuff up pretty good," said Bearcats senior forward Leonard Stokes. "He should be fine down the line. Once he learns to come to play every day, he'll be all right."

Bobbitt, known as a deadly 3-point shooter last season at the College of Southern Idaho, says that time has arrived.

When No. 21 UC (2-0) takes on longtime rival Dayton (2-0) at 8 p.m. today at UD Arena, Bobbitt will be out to show Bearcats fans why he was rated one of the nation's top junior-college prospects last season.

"It's just a matter of time for me," Bobbitt said Friday. "I'm getting used to playing for coach (Bob) Huggins now that I understand what kind of guy he is. As long as you play hard, you'll play."

Like most newcomers to the major-college game, Bobbitt's most glaring shortcomings have occurred on defense.

In practice, he's one of the Bearcats' most effective offensive players. He scored eight points and knocked in two 3-pointers in five attempts against Florida A&M on Tuesday, after which Rattlers coach Mike Gillespie, who coached Bobbitt two years ago at Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College, proclaimed his former player would be an offensive force for UC before the season was over.

"Tony is a difference-maker," Gillespie said.

No one would be happier to see Bobbitt begin to make that difference tonight than Huggins.

"It sure would help," Huggins said. "He's just got some habits we've got to change. He needs to make some shots, feel a little more comfortable and not think so much."

Offensively, Bobbitt says he's close to reaching that comfort level.

"I just need one big breakout game," he said. "I think I can come out Saturday and prove to the people what I'm about."

This will be the third game at UD Arena since it underwent a $13.1-million facelift that includes the addition of eight upper-level suites behind the south basket, plus upper-level loge seating and a lounge called the Flight Deck on the north end.

The renovation is the talk of the town, and the Flyers are expecting one of their most successful seasons in years, with four starters returning from last year's 21-11 National Invitation Tournament team.

Factor in UC's 11-game winning streak over Dayton and it's easy to see why the 33-year-old building will be filled with energy tonight.

The Flyers are difficult to beat at UD Arena, having won 70 percent of their games there since the building opened in 1969. But the Bearcats have fared well there recently, with five straight victories.

"It's a great place to play," Huggins said. "It's great for our guys who haven't been in an atmosphere like that. At the same time, they do it with class. Some places, they find the 50 biggest degenerates they can find and put them behind the bench. But it's not like that there."

Bobbitt is looking forward to the experience.

"The understanding I've got is it's like their Super Bowl," he said.

No. 21 UC at Dayton

Tipoff: 8 p.m. today at UD Arena (13,266).

Records: UC (2-0), Dayton (2-0).

Radio: WLW-AM (700).

TV: Ch. 19.

Series: UC leads 56-28.

Line: Pick.

CINCINNATI

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Leonard Stokes	Sr.	6-6	21.0
Jason Maxiell	So.	6-7	7.5
Derek Hollman	Jr.	6-8	0.0
Field Williams	Jr.	6-3	13.5
Taron Barker	Sr.	6-1	9.5

Coach: Bob Huggins (334-100, 14th season; 502-172 overall).

DAYTON

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Brooks Hall	Sr.	6-6	19.5
Keith Waleskowski	Jr.	6-8	10.0
Sean Finn	Jr.	6-11	12.0
Mark Jones	So.	6-1	3.5
Ramod Marshall	Jr.	6-2	6.0

Coach: Oliver Purnell (133-110, 9th season; 234-185 overall).