Transfer Portal 2026

[Rufus]

CJC said he wanted and was going to recruit players who wanted to be here. Who wanted to wear the brand and not just the money. That's a different approach from that of going for any player who can shoot from anywhere on court and not afraid to do so. The man said he has a plan so let him and the powers that be do what they need to do to build a team. From the vantage point of a player in the portal today I would be apprehensive to come here seeing the product that has been brought to the court these past five years. And most of the players today have only seen a sample size of what CJC's teams have accomplished with most of it in the NCAA tournament just completed. If these current players entered the portal then they are merely chasing money or guaranteed playing time.

[sedz]

@KayserHoops says Utah freshman Kendyl Sanders is visiting:
- UC Santa Barbara today
- Mississippi State Friday
- St. John's Saturday
- Cincinnati Sunday
- Colorado Monday or Tuesday

The 6'8 230 lb. forward averaged 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds this season as a freshman. He had 6/4 and 2/2 in the two meetings versus UC this season.

Kendyl Sanders posted a negative 0.7 BPM in his freshman season. Very low usage on offense. Shot a higher percentage from three (40%) than from the FT line (39%). Positive DBPM but foul prone. Could be a backup 3.

[longtimefan]

With McKinley and Haynes both out as of tonight, only Jordi's name remains, and that will end shortly. No members of the 2025-26 roster will return. None will be pursued by the staff. Calhoun reportedly told a group of boosters that anyone who hits the portal is done here. This is a 100% rebuild.

Has UC ever had a team with zero returning players? Has anybody? Rebuild to what? Is our goal to make the NCAA or win the Big 12? Honestly over the last 30 years we made a lot of tournaments, but the Sweet 16 only 3 times, and no farther. To win the Big 12 you need a Final 4 level roster, I hope that’s our goal but I’ll wait and see. Just making the NCAA is not enough.

[Natination113]

I’d like to have some of those guys back too. But realistically how many of those players helped them win games this past season, besides Thiam. Tillery showed flashes, and definitely has potential, but a very small sample size. Harris great defender, but was constantly in foul trouble. So I would definitely give Evans and Calhoun some time, to put a good team together.

[KevMan1976]

Another Max Bent commitment tease post on Twitter

Who we got coming?

[BearKatz]

I respectfully disagree with James score 12 give up 16. I believe the power 5 schools did too, I think he would have jumped if there was an opening although with his prior problems, he is best under the eyes of WM. Let me encourage you. I believe we have a better coach and the community is behind him which includes $$$. I hope and expect to see improvement in play and attitude the first year. The second seeing more money and more wins. This is all hope, but after the lost decade, what do we have to lose except more games. We must break that pattern.

Go Cats

Hey, I agree with most of what you're saying. Since Brannen's 2nd year, this program has never recovered. I truly hope you're right, and CJC finally turns this around.

I'm skeptical on drinking the Kool-Aid at this point. After being burned over the last 5yrs! Hopefully CJC turns the program around sooner than later.

[swilsonsp4]

With McKinley and Haynes both out as of tonight, only Jordi's name remains, and that will end shortly. No members of the 2025-26 roster will return. None will be pursued by the staff. Calhoun reportedly told a group of boosters that anyone who hits the portal is done here. This is a 100% rebuild.

[leo from jersey]

James is a loss IMO. One of the few Bearcats you could count on to score in double figures. Yes he had his bad games, but I think the positives outweighed the negatives.

Thiam is a huge loss IMO. He lacked in rebounding and defense at times. BUT? When was the last time UC had a Big Man who could score at will. He will most likely play in the NBA someday. Will see this coming season just how much he's missed.

I respectfully disagree with James score 12 give up 16. I believe the power 5 schools did too, I think he would have jumped if there was an opening although with his prior problems, he is best under the eyes of WM. Let me encourage you. I believe we have a better coach and the community is behind him which includes $$$. I hope and expect to see improvement in play and attitude the first year. The second seeing more money and more wins. This is all hope, but after the lost decade, what do we have to lose except more games. We must break that pattern.

Go Cats

[GoBearcats31]

Another Max Bent commitment tease post on Twitter

[BearKatz]

they have a couple of bigs on campus now with a couple of visits upcoming. I don't think CJC is too worried about the departures. Chad B. said it is.5 on retained player and he is going with under. To be honest what did we really have to lose except more games.

Let's rock

Go Cats

James is a loss IMO. One of the few Bearcats you could count on to score in double figures. Yes he had his bad games, but I think the positives outweighed the negatives.

Thiam is a huge loss IMO. He lacked in rebounding and defense at times. BUT? When was the last time UC had a Big Man who could score at will. He will most likely play in the NBA someday. Will see this coming season just how much he's missed.

[leo from jersey]

At this point all we have returning from last year is 32 minutes and 9 total points in Big 12 games. That’s Jordi, 0.00697674% of our scoring. If transfers want to play in the Big 12, there’s plenty of opportunity at UC.

they have a couple of bigs on campus now with a couple of visits upcoming. I don't think CJC is too worried about the departures. Chad B. said it is.5 on retained player and he is going with under. To be honest what did we really have to lose except more games.

Let's rock

Go Cats

[longtimefan]

The only Bearcats IMO worth retaining are Thiam & Tillery.

Thiam most likely is as good as gone to one of the Blue Bloods! I don't get a feeling CJC is high on Tillery and that could be a mistake.

Blue Bloods = a lot of green. It was that way before the rule changes.

[BearKatz]

The only Bearcats IMO worth retaining are Thiam & Tillery.

Thiam most likely is as good as gone to one of the Blue Bloods! I don't get a feeling CJC is high on Tillery and that could be a mistake.

[longtimefan]

At this point all we have returning from last year is 32 minutes and 9 total points in Big 12 games. That’s Jordi, 0.00697674% of our scoring. If transfers want to play in the Big 12, there’s plenty of opportunity at UC.

[longtimefan]

Bearcats not in the portal (yet):
Jalen Haynes
Jordi Rodriguez