Cincinnati Bearcats Forward Enters Transfer Portal

Shon Abaev, a former four-star recruit, leaves the program after one injury-plagued season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a basketball player, conveying the chaotic nature of roster changes in the modern college game.A cubist interpretation of a basketball player's movements captures the dynamic energy and unpredictability of the transfer portal era.Tempe Today

Cincinnati Bearcats forward Shon Abaev, a former five-star recruit, has entered the transfer portal after just one season with the team. Abaev, a 6-foot-8 wing, averaged 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this past season, but struggled with injuries throughout the year. New Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun and general manager Corey Evans are now tasked with finding replacements for Abaev and preparing for what is expected to be a busy offseason of roster turnover.

Why it matters

Abaev's departure is the first of what is expected to be many roster changes for the Cincinnati Bearcats this offseason. The team is undergoing a coaching change, with Jerrod Calhoun taking over for Wes Miller, and will likely see significant player turnover as they look to rebuild the roster and return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Abaev, a native of Broward County, Florida, was one of Cincinnati's highest-ranked recruits in the 247Sports era. However, his freshman season was derailed by an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for an extended period. In 15.9 minutes per game, he shot just 33% from the floor. New head coach Jerrod Calhoun and general manager Corey Evans will now have to find ways to replace Abaev's production and minutes as they look to reshape the Bearcats' roster.

  • Abaev entered the transfer portal on April 6, 2026, the first day of the new transfer cycle.

The players

Shon Abaev

A former five-star recruit who played one injury-plagued season for the Cincinnati Bearcats, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

Jerrod Calhoun

The new head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, tasked with rebuilding the roster and returning the team to the NCAA Tournament.

Corey Evans

The general manager for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who will work closely with Calhoun to evaluate and recruit new players to the program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm heartbroken on that one. He was starting to figure out some of the winning stuff, right? I mean, the talents there, everybody knows that, but he was starting to figure out some of that stuff, and really focused on it in practice. I think he is out for some time, but I don't have a timetable.”

— Wes Miller, Former Cincinnati Head Coach

“I remember Corey when he was just getting into scouting and starting. Corey is a prime example of getting in the business and understanding the sky's the limit, right? If you put your head down, you work, you get better, you try to grow. College basketball has changed, and I think you need a general manager. I think you need somebody outside the coaching staff who can negotiate those contracts. I think the general manager and the coach have to be on the same page ... The relationship has to be two-way. I'm not a yes guy.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Cincinnati Head Coach

What’s next

Calhoun and Evans will now have to work quickly to find a replacement for Abaev and address other roster needs through the transfer portal and recruiting.

The takeaway

Abaev's departure is the first of what is expected to be many roster changes for the Cincinnati Bearcats this offseason, as new head coach Jerrod Calhoun and general manager Corey Evans look to rebuild the team and return it to the NCAA Tournament.