Jizzle James Dismissed from Cincinnati Men's Basketball Team
University of Cincinnati junior guard Jizzle James has been dismissed from the Bearcats men’s basketball program following a tumultuous offseason marked by personal struggles, social media outbursts, and reported conflicts with teammates.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton / BearcatSportsHub)
James, the team’s leading scorer last season with 12.7 points per game and 3.5 assists, had shown significant promise on the court after bursting on the scene to close out his freshman year during the Bearcats' NIT run. However, a string of erratic behavior during the summer, including multiple public disputes and controversial posts on social media, raised concerns within the program.
In an effort to address the issues, James entered the John Lucas Rehabilitation Center in Houston, a facility known for working with athletes dealing with personal and behavioral challenges. While his time at the center was seen as a potential turning point, problems continued to emerge shortly after his completion of the program.
Head coach Wes Miller confirmed James’ dismissal in a public statement released earlier today:
“Jizzle James has been dealing with personal issues throughout the summer. 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 will have no further comment at this time.”
James, the son of former NFL running back Edgerrin James, arrived at Cincinnati with high expectations and quickly became a key contributor in the Bearcats’ transition into the Big 12. His departure leaves a significant hole in the roster ahead of the 2025–26 season but opens the door for freshman point guard Keyshuan Tillery to see extended minutes behind Day Day Thomas and Kerr Kriisa.
It remains unclear whether James intends to explore other options or take time away from basketball altogether.
As the Bearcats look to regroup without their former standout guard, the focus within the program appears to be moving forward while giving James space to navigate his off-court challenges.