The University of Cincinnati’s basketball program is entering a pivotal phase as third‑week summer workouts under new head coach Jerrod Calhoun take shape. Calhoun, who arrived in late March after a stint at Utah State, has already begun shaping the roster around a simple mantra: “We over Me.” The emphasis on unity and collective effort is resonating with returning players and newcomers alike.
A unifying philosophy
Staff additions bring a blend of experience and fresh perspective. Mantoris Robinson, the new Associate Head Coach, joins after stints at Fairmont State, Youngstown State and Utah State, and he has quickly become a vocal advocate for the team’s chemistry. He has highlighted the potential of transfers such as Jayden Hastings, a 6‑foot‑10 Boston College import, and Myles Colvin, a 6‑foot‑5 Wake Forest transfer, as key pieces that can stretch the floor and anchor the defense.
Tylen Riley, a 6‑foot‑4 guard from Tulsa, is noted for his spunk and flair, while Tyler Tejada, a 6‑foot‑9 forward from Towson, is described as a silent assassin who spends extra time in the gym. Adlan Elamin, a 6‑foot‑9 Utah State transfer, has embraced the weight room and thrives on competition. Together, these additions give the Bearcats depth across every position.
The schedule also includes a much‑anticipated trip to the Bahamas in August for the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League. The exhibition will pit the Bearcats against a mix of collegiate and professional teams, providing a valuable test of the new system before the regular season. Coach Calhoun sees the tour as an opportunity to cement relationships and fine‑tune the “We over Me” approach in a high‑pressure environment.
Beyond the immediate roster moves, the program is watching the NCAA’s recent decision to grant a fifth year of eligibility, a rule that could reshape recruiting strategies. For Cincinnati, the prospect of retaining talent longer adds another layer to the blueprint Calhoun presented to his staff and players. As the Bearcats prepare to hit the court, the blend of experienced transfers, returning veterans and a unifying philosophy suggests a promising outlook for the upcoming campaign.