🏀 Cincinnati Bearcats 2024-25 Season Preview: A New Era in the Big 12

For more than 124 years, the Cincinnati Bearcats have embodied toughness, pride, and tradition. Now, entering their second year in the Big 12 Conference under head coach Wes Miller, this program stands poised to rise once again among college basketball’s elite. With over 1,800 career wins — the 12th-winningest total in NCAA history — Cincinnati’s foundation remains solid, but the excitement surrounding this new-look roster makes the 2024-25 season one of the most anticipated in years.

Building on a Legendary Legacy

Cincinnati’s history is defined by banners and legends — two national titles, six Final Fours, and 33 NCAA Tournament trips. Their record of 46-32 in March Madness play and 42 All-Americans tells a story of excellence that few programs can match.

The energy inside Fifth Third Arena — especially when the student section The RUCkus erupts in red and black — remains one of college basketball’s most electric environments. Since its $87 million renovation in 2018, the arena has become a fortress for Bearcat pride, setting the stage for another thrilling campaign.

Wes Miller’s Vision

Coach Miller has instilled a culture of discipline and intensity. His teams defend relentlessly, play fast, and value the fundamentals that made Bearcat basketball famous. Now, armed with a roster that blends veteran leadership and elite newcomers, Miller aims to guide Cincinnati deeper into Big 12 competition — and back into the national spotlight.

Jalen Haynes: The Powerhouse Presence

Few players in the Big 12 bring the physicality of Jalen Haynes. The 6’8”, 250-pound forward from Fort Lauderdale was an All-Atlantic 10 First Team performer at George Mason, averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. His blend of power and finesse makes him a cornerstone for the Bearcats’ frontcourt.

Haynes’s performances against elite opponents, including an 18-point outing versus fifth-ranked Duke, proved his ability to rise to the occasion. Expect him to set the tone inside from day one.

Baba Miller: The Versatile Forward

At 6’11”, Baba Miller brings length, mobility, and versatility from Florida Atlantic. Starting all 34 games last season, he posted 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, with six double-doubles. Miller’s European polish and high basketball IQ make him a matchup nightmare, equally comfortable stretching the floor or protecting the rim.

His growth from Florida State to FAU highlights his adaptability — a perfect fit for Miller’s up-tempo system.

Tyler McKinley: The Hometown Hope

Tyler McKinley, a 6’9” redshirt freshman from Cincinnati’s Winton Woods HS, headlines the Bearcats’ future. Once Ohio’s No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2024, McKinley’s blend of skill and strength has drawn comparisons to past Bearcat greats.

After recovering from a season-ending injury, he’s poised for a comeback year that could reignite local pride. His invitation to the USA U19 National Team Training Camp and offers from Alabama, Michigan State, and Ohio State prove his star trajectory.

Jalen Celestine: The Veteran Sharpshooter

Jalen Celestine arrives from Baylor after a career that’s taken him from Cal to the Big 12, bringing proven scoring and leadership. Last year, he knocked down clutch threes, including a 4-of-5 performance from deep against St. John’s, and averaged nearly 10 points per game.

At California, Celestine ranked among the Pac-12’s best three-point shooters (44%) and showed toughness by returning from injury to hit game-winners against Washington and Stanford. His perimeter shooting could be a difference-maker for the Bearcats.

Kerr Kriisa: The Playmaker

A household name across multiple programs, Kerr Kriisa brings veteran playmaking and charisma. The Estonian guard’s journey through Arizona, West Virginia, and Kentucky has been filled with memorable performances — including a 12-assist game at Bucknell and 25 points versus Kansas State.

Known for his confidence and court vision, Kriisa’s leadership at point guard provides a steadying influence for Cincinnati’s dynamic offense.

Shon Abaev: The Next Big Thing

One of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class, Shon Abaev — a 6’8” guard from Broward County — is the Bearcats’ highest-rated signee since Lance Stephenson. A McDonald’s All-American, he’s known for his shooting touch and high basketball IQ.

Abaev’s 2-for-3 performance from deep in the McDonald’s All-American Game showed exactly why he had 26 offers from programs like Kansas and Florida. Expect him to make an immediate impact.

Sencire Harris: Defensive Anchor

Sencire Harris brings Big 12 defensive intensity and athleticism after earning All-Defensive Team honors at West Virginia. Averaging 1.7 steals per game, Harris plays with relentless energy and can change the flow of a game on both ends.

Off the court, his grounded personality and leadership add depth to the locker room — a vital quality for a team with postseason aspirations.

Veteran Leaders: Darbyshire & Thomas

Graduate guards Grant Darbyshire and Day Thomas bring experience and composure to the rotation. Thomas’s 2024-25 season was a breakout year, averaging 10.2 points per game and hitting 40% from three. His 29-point performance versus West Virginia was a statement. Darbyshire, a Cincinnati native and Frank G. Ham Society of Character inductee, embodies the program’s values of grit and excellence.

Fresh Faces, Big Dreams

Incoming freshmen Bryson Buckingham, Jordi Rodriguez, Keyshuan Tillery, and Lucas Atauri represent the future. Buckingham brings Oklahoma-bred toughness after a stellar post-grad run at Link Academy. Rodriguez is an international standout who led Spain to a FIBA U-19 World Cup title. Tillery, a Top-50 national recruit, adds elite speed and court vision, while Atauri’s experience with Brazil’s senior national team adds an international edge.

Together, they symbolize the depth and diversity of Cincinnati’s new era.

Outlook for 2024-25

With Wes Miller’s vision taking hold and a blend of veterans and rising stars ready to make an impact, the Bearcats are positioned to be a serious threat in the Big 12. The balance of defensive grit and offensive firepower gives Cincinnati the tools to reclaim its national relevance — and perhaps return to March Madness with authority.

The legacy of Bearcat basketball has always been about heart, defense, and relentless energy. As the 2024-25 season tips off, one thing is certain — the Cincinnati Bearcats are back where they belong: ready to fight, ready to win, and ready to make Fifth Third Arena roar once again.