Jizzle James Leaves Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball

Star point guard enters transfer portal after 3 seasons with the team

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:19pm

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Jizzle James, a key player for the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team over the past three seasons, has entered the transfer portal and will not return to the program under new head coach Jerrod Calhoun. James had a strong 2025-26 season, averaging 10.9 points per game and leading the team in 3-point shooting, but missed the start of the year due to 'personal issues'.

Why it matters

James was a highly touted recruit brought in by former Bearcats coach Wes Miller, and his departure is a significant loss for the program as they transition to a new coaching staff. His exit creates a hole at the point guard position that Calhoun will need to fill through the transfer portal or recruiting.

The details

James played three seasons for the Bearcats, but his 2025-26 campaign was shortened after he didn't rejoin the team until December due to unspecified 'personal issues'. He made his season debut on December 17th and returned to the starting lineup on December 29th, going on to average 10.9 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 44% from 3-point range.

  • James entered the transfer portal on April 8, 2026.
  • He missed the start of the 2025-26 season due to personal issues, but returned to the lineup in December.

The players

Jizzle James

A point guard who played three seasons for the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team, averaging 10.9 points per game in 2025-26 before entering the transfer portal.

Wes Miller

The former head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats who recruited Jizzle James to the program.

Jerrod Calhoun

The new head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, who will need to replace Jizzle James in the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Given his relationship with former Cincinnati Bearcats coach Wes Miller, it's not surprising that Jizzle James will not return to play for new UC coach Jerrod Calhoun.”

— Scott Springer, Author

What’s next

Calhoun and the Bearcats will need to find a new starting point guard through the transfer portal or recruiting to replace the production and leadership that Jizzle James provided.

The takeaway

Jizzle James' departure is a significant loss for the Cincinnati Bearcats as they transition to a new coaching staff under Jerrod Calhoun. His exit creates a hole at a key position that the team will need to address in the offseason.