Being from a Cincinnati and having worked at UC during the Huggins years, I must say I always enjoyed the guy. I know a lot of people don't. But, I have a lot of really good memories first watching UC games with my dad and then later with my twin sons. His teams played so hard! And, his sideline antics were unbelievable although not quite Knight-esque.
I do think he will go down as a very good coach with a ton of wins but never the big one. Too bad, he probably deserves one. I think the Kenyon Martin year, if he had't broken his leg, was his best shot.
Anyway, what a career!
I've been a UC fan since I was about 12 or 13. I agree with most of this, in particular the Kenyon Martin year. That team was well equipped for a run to the Final Four. Bearcat basketball (and college hoops in general) is something I share with my dad, and my cousin, who is a UC grad & close friend. I remember going to the Shoemaker Center during our college years with my cousin, when I wore my OU shirts, and a UC 92-93 Sweet 16 hat. It was the first time I'd ever not worn red & black into that building. It kind of cemented my love for OU basketball going in there wearing Bobcat colors for that game.
I always thought, despite his decisions, that Huggins dismissal at UC was handled absolutely terribly. As a UC fan, I know plenty aren't big supporters of Mick, but I think he's done great work in elevating the program back to where it is.
As a family, over New Year's weekend, we're pulling the Bobcat/Bearcat double, and coming to Athens for the Urbana game, and hitting the Shoe on New Year's Day for the UC game. I made a point to get my dad in there before they tear it apart for the massive renovations.