Shon Abaev Entering the Transfer Portal
Former top recruit Shon Abaev is preparing to move on from Cincinnati, with multiple reports indicating he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it officially opens April 7.
NEWS: Cincinnati freshman Shon Abaev intends to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @247Sports.
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) April 6, 2026
Former McDonald’s All American. || Story: https://t.co/eSrkl2aeMH pic.twitter.com/itW4tifxjp
Abaev, a highly regarded wing in the 2025 recruiting class, arrived in Cincinnati with significant expectations after choosing the Bearcats over several major programs. Ranked among the top 30 prospects nationally and recognized as a McDonald’s All-American, he became one of the most decorated signees in program history.
During his freshman season, the 6-foot-8 guard appeared in 24 games and made 12 starts, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest. He began the year in a starting role but saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed. By the postseason, his role had diminished significantly, including a brief two-minute appearance without a shot attempt in Cincinnati’s Big 12 Tournament loss to UCF.
Despite flashes of potential — including a 20-point outing against NJIT and an 18-point debut in the regular season — Abaev struggled to find consistency. He shot just over 32% from the field and 26% from three-point range while also dealing with injuries during conference play.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub)
His departure comes at a time of transition for the Bearcats. Following an 18-15 finish and a seventh consecutive absence from the NCAA Tournament, the program parted ways with head coach Wes Miller. Cincinnati has since turned to Jerrod Calhoun, a former Utah State head coach and Bearcats alum, to lead the rebuild.
Abaev becomes the first known Cincinnati player to enter the portal this cycle, and his exit opens up minutes and roster flexibility as the program reshapes its lineup under new leadership. With the transfer window lasting 15 days, he is expected to draw interest from a lot of high-major programs who feel they can untap the potential he originally came to Cincinnati with.