BIG EAST STANDOUTS LEAD USA PAST CHINA

Aug. 16, 2005

All four BIG EAST players on the U.S. World University Games Team reached double figures in a 117-61 rout of China in a preliminary second round game on Tuesday. The Americans will play the Czech Republic on Wednesday in the final game of the preliminary second round. The World University Games are being held in Izmir, Turkey.

Cincinnati's Eric Hicks came off the bench to post a team-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed seven rebounds and made four steals. Syracuse's Gerry McNamara added 12 points. Villanova's Randy Foye and West Virginia's Mike Gansey scored 10 points apiece.

The U.S. squad opened up a 37-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. McNamara hit three 3-pointers just after the opening tip as the American built a 13-2 lead. Foye scored all of his points in the first half.

The U.S. team, which is 4-0 at the WUG, is coached by Villanova's Jay Wright.

You are in for a treat when you get to see Eric play for the first time. He is a BEAST! He can run, jump, block shots and dunk
with the better power players. He is somewhat undersized in height at about 6'6 but with great heart, muscle and power he manages to really bang. He was a much better jumper but had a bad surgery b-4 his UC play began. He still and never will be able to really straighten out one knee etc. He is a UC crowd favorite for sure and his facial and physical expressions seem to always find there way into pics and highlights. He is a popular guy and hangs most with walk-on Patzwald off the court. Its nice to see Eroc get this chance at some international experience. He owned the Cincy summer games where UC, XU, UD, Miami Oh etc players battle ech June and July. If Eric can shoot facing the basket from 15 ft to the three line he could be the next UC Senior to go out with a huge bang. He made a few last season but missed some wilder ones also. He will be double teamed if UC cannot hit from outside or if Ivan Johnson cannot fulfill the power spot left by Maxiel.

I am not very familiar with him, although I have heard the name. I cant wait to see him in BE play.

Hicks is really alot of fun to watch too. He's full of energy and emotion; and his defense is amazing. If he only had a couple more inches he'ld get so much hype it would be insane.