Thiam, TIllery Entering the Transfer Portal
Two key contributors—freshman guard Keyshuan Tillery and sophomore center Moustapha Thiam—have both announced plans to enter the transfer portal, joining freshman forward Shon Abaev.
Tillery Transfer
For Tillery, the move comes after a freshman campaign that showed flashes of promise but lacked early consistency in opportunity. The Albany, New York native arrived in Clifton as a four-star recruit expected to develop behind a crowded and experienced backcourt.
NEWS: Cincinnati guard Keyshaun Tillery is entering the transfer portal, source told @LeagueRDY.
— Sam Kayser (@KayserHoops) April 7, 2026
Tillery is a 6-foot guard and former four-star recruit who spent just one season with the Bearcats. Native of Albany, New York.
Averaged 3.8PPG, 1.8APG and 1.2RPG in 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/lM5CHxR3rI
However, circumstances shifted quickly. The preseason dismissal of Jizzle James accelerated Tillery’s path to playing time, thrusting him into a larger role sooner than anticipated alongside guards Kerr Kriisa, Day Day Thomas, and Sencire Harris.
Tillery’s early performances reflected the adjustment period typical of freshmen. He averaged 3.8 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game, while struggling to carve out a steady role during non-conference play.
Following the holiday break, Tillery returned with renewed energy and began to emerge—especially as Kriisa dealt with a shoulder injury. Over his final eight games, Tillery averaged 6.0 points per contest, scoring in double figures twice during Big 12 play, including a season-high 14 points against Houston.
Despite that late surge, Tillery now opts for a fresh start elsewhere. When new head coach Jerrod Calhoun was introduced as the next head coach at Cincinnati, Tillery was one of two players in attendance, making it seem as though he was open to the idea of returning for a second season in Clifton.
Thiam Transfer
While Tillery’s exit reflects untapped potential, Thiam’s departure represents the loss of a proven high-impact player.
NEWS: Cincinnati’s Moustapha Thiam will enter the transfer portal, sources tell DraftExpress.
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) April 7, 2026
12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game en route to Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Honors.
The 20-year-old Senegalese center boasts elite physical tools at 7’2” with a 7’6+… pic.twitter.com/CPffvvlyib
A native of Senegal, Thiam transferred into Cincinnati from UCFl, following assistant coach Mamadou N'Diaye. After a relatively quiet start to the season, the 7-foot-2 center blossomed into one of the most dominant big men in the conference.
By season’s end, Thiam was averaging 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention honors. His production jumped even higher in conference play, where he posted 15.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Thiam’s physical tools—including a 7-foot-6-plus wingspan—made him a matchup nightmare. His development on the offensive end became a driving force behind Cincinnati’s late-season push, particularly as he formed a formidable interior duo with Baba Miller.
One of the defining moments of his season came in a statement road win over Kansas , where Thiam erupted for a career-high 28 points. Performances like that have positioned him as one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal this cycle.
While there are sure to be more entries to the transfer portal over the next week, Thiam is undoubtedly the biggest impact loss so far.