Cincinnati Adds Brazilian Sharpshooter Lucas Atauri
Cincinnati Head coach Wes Miller announced Tuesday the signing of Brazilian standout Lucas Atauri, a 6-foot-5 perimeter threat with national team pedigree and a polished offensive skillset. With experience at both the club and international levels, Atauri becomes the latest addition to a Bearcats roster looking to make noise in the Big 12 this upcoming season.
“Lucas will bring significant international experience to our team and instantly adds another high-quality perimeter player to our team,” Miller said. “We’re excited to get him on the floor and see his dynamic skillset in action.”
Atauri brings more international experience to the UC roster . The Brazilian national team member suited up for Paulistano last season, where he shot 38% from deep and 86% from the free-throw line over 39 games. His efficient scoring and ability to stretch the floor made him a key asset for the São Paulo-based club.
But his resume doesn’t stop at the club level.
The 20-year-old also made his debut with Brazil’s senior national team last November, logging 17 minutes off the bench and dropping eight points in a 93-67 win over Panama. That same poise carried into August, where Atauri helped lead Brazil’s U-23 squad to gold at the Global Jam International Tournament in Toronto. He averaged 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, including a clutch 14-point, 7-rebound effort in the title game win over a U.S. team represented by Georgetown.
"Lucas brings a wealth of international experience, size and energy in the backcourt, and a reliable, confident jump shot. Excited to have him on board!," new UC General Manager Corey Evans stated on twitter following the addition announcement.
Atauri’s addition brings Cincinnati’s roster to 15 players heading into the 2025-26 campaign. With a newly released non-conference schedule and Big 12 home-and-away pairings set, the Bearcats continue to build a roster that blends youth, athleticism, and international experience.
Non-Conference Schedule announced
The Bearcats will host nine games before diving into Big 12 play.
The season tips off Monday, Nov. 3, with a four-game homestand against Western Carolina, Georgia State (Nov. 7), long-time rival Dayton (Nov. 11), and Mount St. Mary’s (Nov. 16). The Nov. 11 matchup with Dayton adds a layer of intrigue early — two passionate fan bases and a long-running regional rivalry on display.
Next up, Cincinnati heads downtown to Heritage Bank Center for a high-profile showdown with Louisville in The Hoops Classic, set for Friday, Nov. 21. It's the headliner of the Twyman-Stokes Classic, a three-game series that also includes home dates against NJIT (Nov. 24) and Eastern Michigan (Nov. 26).
December heats up fast. The Bearcats will host Tarleton State (Dec. 1), then head across town for the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout against Xavier on Dec. 5 at the Cintas Center.
Later that month, UC hits the road for two marquee neutral-site matchups: a battle with Georgia on Dec. 13 in Holiday Hoopsgiving at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, followed by a Greenville Winter Invitational tilt with Clemson on Dec. 21 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
The non-conference run wraps with home dates against Alabama State (Dec. 17) and Lipscomb (Dec. 29) — tune-up opportunities before the gauntlet of Big 12 play begins.
Game times and TV info will be announced at a later date.