Hoops Preview: Cincinnati v Georgia State
Cincinnati returns to Fifth Third Arena on Friday night for its second contest of the 2025–26 season, hosting Georgia State in a matchup that tips off at 7 p.m. The Bearcats are coming off a dominant 94–63 win over Western Carolina, while the Panthers dropped their opener to Eastern Michigan, 71–49.
(Photo: Georgia State Athletics)
This marks the second-ever meeting between the programs; Cincinnati claimed the first in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, 68–53.
Cincinnati Outlook
Cincinnati played 11 different players during their season opening win over Western Carolina, with Shon Abaev, Baba Miller, and Moustapha Thiam each pouring in 18 points. The trio forms the foundation of what could be one of UC’s most explosive offenses in recent years — a versatile blend of size, athleticism, and perimeter touch.
Miller has thrived in an expanded role inside with forward Jalen Haynes sidelined due to a knee injury, while Abaev’s confidence as a shot-creator has carried over from his prep days. Thiam continues to provide rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket.
Off the bench, freshman Tyler McKinley made a statement with his energy and toughness, collecting five rebounds in 15 minutes and sparking a first-half run with his defense. Meanwhile, wings Jordi Rodriguez and Jalen Celestine continue to battle for perimeter minutes, each flashing the ability to stretch the floor from deep — a key element for spacing UC’s offense.
The Bearcats’ depth and balance impressed early, and they’ll aim to carry that momentum into a busy nonconference stretch that includes a regional showdown with Dayton next week.
Look for Day Day Thomas, Kerr Kriisa, and Keyshuan Tillery to continue to try to put pressure on the opposition by getting in transition and forcing tempo.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub)
Georgia State Outlook
Georgia State enters Friday’s contest looking to regroup after a tough loss at Eastern Michigan to open the year. Despite the defeat, there’s plenty of optimism in Atlanta surrounding head coach Jonas Hayes’ program, which has blended returning experience with a large influx of new talent.
The Panthers went 14–19 (8–10 Sun Belt) last season, advancing to the second round of the conference tournament after knocking off Georgia Southern in the opener. They finished among the Sun Belt’s top four teams in both field goal percentage (44.9%) and three-point shooting (34.5%) while ranking fourth in rebounds per game (38.0).
Leading the charge again is redshirt junior Jelani Hamilton, a preseason All-Sun Belt selection who averaged 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game last season after transferring home to Atlanta. Hamilton started 21 of 33 games in 2024–25 and led the Panthers with 38 steals. He scored 13 in the opener at Eastern Michigan.
Backcourt running mate Malachi Brown is another key returner, coming off a season where he averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 boards, and 3.4 assists, ranking fourth in the Sun Belt in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.85). Brown started 31 of 33 games and posted 12 double-digit scoring efforts.
In total, Georgia State returns six players from last year’s roster — including Clash Peters, Trey Scott III, Emmanuel Koveos, and Kwame Tanic — and welcomes nine newcomers (seven transfers and two freshmen).
Among the newcomers, sophomore Joah Chappelle brings scoring upside after averaging 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds en route to MACCC Freshman of the Year honors. Junior Isaiah Sherrard was named WSC North Player of the Year after putting up 15.6 points and 7.4 boards. Meanwhile, 7-foot Christian Beam (Southern Union State) adds interior presence following a season in which he averaged 8.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks.
Georgia State also brought in Jakai Newton (Indiana), James Cooper (Oregon), Anthony Enoh (Jessup), and Ayouba Berthe (Minot State), forming one of the more experienced transfer classes in the Sun Belt.
Freshmen, Micah Tucker (Overtime Elite) and Chris Jones (Frederick Douglass HS) are also expected to be in the mix for playing time this season.
What to Watch
Cincinnati’s challenge will be maintaining focus against a Georgia State squad that is still finding chemistry but has enough veteran savvy and scoring potential to hang around if its shooters get hot. Expect UC to test the Panthers’ rebuilt defense early with pace and size inside, especially through Miller and Thiam.
For Georgia State, limiting turnovers and establishing rhythm through Hamilton and Brown will be key to avoiding another slow offensive start. If the newcomers can contribute off the bench, Hayes’ team could provide more resistance than its opener showed.