Cincinnati basketball will move forward without one of its most recognizable players.
Head coach Wes Miller announced that junior guard Jizzle James has been dismissed from the program after dealing with personal matters throughout the summer.
“Jizzle James has been dealing with personal issues throughout summer,” Miller said in a statement. “We removed him from the team last month. He is currently not a member of our basketball program. As this is a personal matter, I have no further comment at this time.”
James, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, was a high-profile recruit for the Bearcats and showed flashes of star potential during his first two seasons. Heading into 2025, James was expected to be the lead guard for the Bearcats and continue to shine for Wes Miller and company.
Instead, his departure leaves a significant void in Miller’s rotation. The Bearcats were already facing the challenge of building consistency in one of the toughest leagues in college basketball, and losing a starting-caliber guard just months before the season only compounds that task.
While Miller stopped short of providing specifics, the dismissal underscores the unpredictable nature of roster management in today’s college basketball landscape. Cincinnati will now turn to its younger guards and transfers to stabilize the backcourt ahead of a pivotal second season in the Big 12.
James’ talent was unquestioned, and his exit is a setback for the Bearcats. But as Miller made clear, the program’s focus remains on moving forward with the players in the locker room.
