WATCH: Wes Miller, Jizzle James Media Availability 2.3
With Cincinnati navigating the grind of Big 12 play amid injuries, illness, and relentless competition, Wednesday’s media availability carried a tone that went far beyond wins and losses. Head coach Wes Miller and point guard Jizzle James spoke candidly about perseverance, trust, and resilience—highlighted by James’ return to the program after time away for personal reasons. Their comments reflected the challenges of competing in the Big 12, but also the human side of a season defined by adversity, accountability, and belief in the Bearcats’ foundation.
Everything the duo said when meeting with local media ahead of Thursday evening's game against West Virginia:
Jizzle James on returning to the program and support from Cincinnati
“First off, I just want to thank Coach Miller, the staff, and the administration for giving me another opportunity. I want to thank my teammates for sticking by my side. I had a personal issue that was a private matter to me, and I just want to thank everybody for being supportive. So, I’m back.”
Jizzle James on whether he expected to return as quickly as he did
“I knew it would be a process—just trusting coach, my teammates, and going with the flow. They figured it was best I come support the team from the stands, and I was good with that decision. I’m glad how it turned out and glad just to be back on the court.”
Wes Miller on the process of Jizzle James returning to the team
“He was never not enrolled. He was never not a student at Cincinnati. A lot of the aspects of the process are personal, as Jizzle mentioned, and not necessary to get into publicly.
Jizzle is like family to me, to our staff, to our program. He’s an old-school Bearcat, before the whole transfer portal era. Whatever he was dealing with, he made it very clear he wanted to be part of this program, this university, and this city.
The door was always open if he did the right things, and he did all the right things. It wasn’t easy to get back into the position he’s in, and you’ve got to give him a ton of credit. I’ve never been more proud of a player, and it has nothing to do with what he’s done on the court.”
Jizzle James on being away from basketball and the reward of returning
“It was very tough—being away from the sport I love, away from the city, away from the team, away from my guys. I had time to get myself together and reflect. The reward has been being back in the locker room and back on the court with the guys. I couldn’t be more thankful. I’m blessed and honored to be back in this situation.”
Jizzle James on his first game back
“It felt different, but I was excited to see one go in, and we got the win. That game was a stepping stone in my life. I came back from a lot of adversity and was able to show people you can do it. I’m just blessed.”
Wes Miller on his pride in Jizzle James as a person
“I couldn’t be more proud of a person. It would’ve been easier to not come back here and confront things, but he wanted to do that. In a time where you don’t have to do that, that’s so admirable. It has nothing to do with basketball—I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Jizzle James on his physical condition
“I’m getting there. It’s still a work in progress. There are many things I can work on in my game. I’m just going to keep my head down, keep working, and help the team however I can.”
Jizzle James on having his brother at Cincinnati
“It’s been good. It’s his first year in college, and I’m proud of him—just seeing how far he’s come in life. It’s good knowing he’s got his big brother on campus and that he’s always good.”
Wes Miller on the upcoming home stretch and Big 12 competition
“This is the best league in America. We have six teams in the top 16 right now. Three of our last five games were against top-10 teams, and most of them were on the road.
Getting a stretch at home is beneficial from a health and wellness standpoint. We’ve been battling more injuries and illness than I’d like, and that’s tougher when you’re traveling. But we’re not looking ahead—every game in this league is difficult. Our focus is getting healthy and preparing for the next game.”
Wes Miller on team health updates
“Buck was down for seven straight days with the flu but was back at practice yesterday, which is a really good sign. Mustafa is day-to-day. Sean has a high ankle sprain—we didn’t take him on the trip to avoid swelling from air travel, but he’s heading in the right direction. Jaylen Haynes is doing non-contact work. It’s that time of year, and the travel has made it harder.”
Wes Miller on the impact of Jizzle James amid injuries
“At this point, it’s hard to imagine him not being here with all the stuff we’ve dealt with. We didn’t know a couple months ago that he’d be playing. Having Jizzle back has been rewarding—off the court and on it. We’re a better team and program when he’s out there.”
Wes Miller on road vs. home performance
“We have to start performing better on the road as a team. We’re 11–2 at home, and we need to continue playing well here, but when we go back on the road, we have to do a better job of playing winning basketball.”
Wes Miller on preparing for West Virginia
“Like all Big 12 teams, they’re very good. Huff is capable of having big nights, and you have to prepare for that without losing sight of their other players. Our focus has been getting healthy and then preparing for a very good West Virginia team. I don’t talk about schemes publicly.”
Wes Miller on Baba’s performance against Houston
“He did a great job early breaking down their defense and generating high-quality shots—we just didn’t make them. Houston did a good job putting multiple bodies on him, but more often than not he made great decisions.
He didn’t shoot it well, but he didn’t play as bad as the stat line says. With injuries, especially Mustafa being out, Baba was asked to do more, and that allowed Houston to key in on him.”
Jizzle James on lineups with Kerr and Day
“We need Kerr. He’s a big part of our team. When we’re out there together, things flow—he’s hitting shots, creating for others, and we feed off each other. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury, but he’s been playing through it. That shows toughness and perseverance.”
Jizzle James on playing with Baba
“It’s been fun. He’s a different type of player. He’ll get 20 rebounds one night and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’ I’m blessed to share the floor with him. We feed off each other—it’s been a blessing.”
Jizzle James on offensive balance and reduced scoring pressure
“It’s more fun when it’s like that. Everybody gets a piece of the pie. When you have multiple threats, it helps you down the line and makes you a threat in the Big 12.”
Wes Miller on built-in breaks and league scheduling
“That Saturday-to-Thursday stretch came at a crucial time for us with health and injuries. In this league, with the competitive nature and travel, having a built-in bye week is paramount. Every coach in the league supports it.”
Wes Miller on home-court advantage and the Big 12
“It’s the best league in basketball. Analytically, by level of play, by players—it’s the best league over a long period of time. Every night is hard, home or road. Every game has value. If you’re a competitor, that’s a dream. It’s a challenge, but it’s a lot of fun.”