Jizzle James to Return to Cincinnati

Cincinnati is getting a familiar face back in its backcourt.

Guard Jizzle James has been reinstated and added back to the Bearcats’ roster, head coach Wes Miller announced Wednesday, clearing the way for his return against Alabama State. James had been away from the program since August while addressing a personal matter.

(Photo: Taylor Keeton/Bearcatsportshub)

An Orlando, Florida, native, James has been a key contributor during his time at Cincinnati, appearing in 72 career games with 37 starts. He owns career averages of 10.7 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in just over 23 minutes per game. Last season, he led the Bearcats in scoring at 12.7 points per contest, added 3.5 assists and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition after scoring in double figures 25 times.

While James had not been active in games, his presence around the program gradually became more visible in recent weeks. He remained enrolled at the university and continued his coursework online while training in Houston. He later returned to Cincinnati and was spotted in the stands for the Bearcats’ home win over Tarleton State. Over the weekend, James traveled with the team to Atlanta and sat on the bench alongside injured forward Jalen Haynes during Saturday’s game against Georgia.

Miller had previously acknowledged that James was using team facilities but declined to comment on his roster status at the time. Earlier in the fall, it was widely believed James might redshirt this season, especially after social media posts fueled speculation about a potential transfer or professional opportunities.

Those plans have changed.

Now officially back in uniform, James is expected to be available Wednesday as Cincinnati enters the matchup with Alabama State at 6-4, hoping his return provides a boost as the Bearcats try to finish the non-conference portion of their schedule on a high note. .