The Cincinnati Bearcats backcourt is set for a significant change, as guard Jizzle James has entered the NCAA transfer portal. The move, confirmed by the university and first reported by ESPN, marks the end of a three-year tenure for the former highly-touted recruit.
James's departure follows the coaching transition from Wes Miller, who originally recruited him out of Orlando as the program's point guard of the future, to new head coach Jerrod Calhoun. His final season in Cincinnati was a story of resilience and sharp shooting. After missing the start of the campaign to resolve personal matters, James rejoined the team in December and quickly cemented himself as a starter.
Once back on the court, James showcased a dramatically improved offensive game, particularly from beyond the arc. He finished the season averaging 10.9 points per game and led the Bearcats with a stellar 44% three-point shooting percentage—a massive leap from the 28% he shot from deep as a sophomore. His season highlight was a 24-point explosion at Kansas State, where he drained six three-pointers.
With one year of eligibility remaining, James now enters the portal as an experienced, proven scorer who can stretch the floor. His next stop will be closely watched, as he looks to cap his collegiate career with a strong final season. For Cincinnati, the search begins for a new backcourt leader to step up in his absence.
