New Bearcats Coach Embraces 'Unpredictable' Identity

New Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun made his Big 12 Media Day debut in Kansas City, where his team was ranked eighth. Calhoun, who previously won a Mountain West championship with Utah State, dismissed the preseason rankings, stating he doesn't care what others think. He has rebuilt the Bearcats from scratch, emphasizing a 'We over Me' mantra.

Calhoun's strategy focuses on acquiring versatile, efficient players, with several seniors and fifth-year players on the roster. He highlighted Tylen Riley's exhibition performance as an example of the team's scoring potential. Calhoun characterized the Bearcats as 'unpredictable' on both offense and defense, with multiple players capable of stepping up.

The team boasts size with players around 6-foot-10 and taller but does not feature a 7-foot center, emphasizing positional versatility. Senior Myles Colvin, who played in the NCAA championship game with Purdue, aims to lead by example with his athleticism. The team is preparing for its final exhibition game against Oakland, a strategy Calhoun employs to test his squad against strong competition.