BearstatLink readers, a good friend of mine, Michael Perry (Enquirer Sports Editor), has written and published a new book called “Tales From Cincinnati Bearcat Basketball.” It is a must-have for the dedicated Bearcat fan. I have copied some text from the inside cover of the book to give you an idea of its direction. It will be in the UC bookstore on Sept. 11, and Mr. Perry will be there for a book signing the day of the Miami game from 4:30-6:30. It will eventually be in other bookstores. People can also order it by contacting him directly at bearcattales@aol.com.

The book is the history of Bearcat basketball littered with charismatic coaches and colorful players, including Oscar Robertson, the greatest Bearcat of them all, and 2000 National Player of the Year Kenyon Martin.

Tales from Cincinnati Bearcat Basketball covers eight coaching eras, from former National Football League standout John "Socko" Wiethe (1946-52) to the driven and intense Bob Huggins, who took over the program in 1989 and led the Bearcats back to national prominence.
Cincinnati Enquirer sports editor Michael Perry, a former UC basketball beat reporter, interviewed more than 75 former players, coaches, recruits and basketball staff members to deliver a comprehensive look inside the Bearcat basketball program.
The book takes you into locker rooms, practices and game huddles as it recounts memorable moments and unforgettable games, including UC's controversial 24-11 loss to Kentucky in 1983.

You'll read about Hall of Famer Jack Twyman registering for classes at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1951 before deciding to attend Cincinnati; Former coach Ed Badger hitch-hiking in the snow to see a recruit in Pennsylvania; Tony Yates finding a first-team all-Metro Conference player in a former marching band member in Macon, Miss.

This is a comprehensive trip down memory lane, providing insight into the Huggins era and, for those who didn't start following the team until the 1990s, a nice history lesson. Michael Perry is the sports editor of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He is a 1984 University of Cincinnati graduate, a former UC beat reporter for The Enquirer, and also the former editor of the News Record when in school. Cost - $19.95.