Cincinnati Eyes Bounce-Back Opportunity vs. Clemson: Key Storylines to Watch
With nonconference play winding down, Cincinnati heads to Greenville on Sunday for a semi-neutral site showdown against Clemson - and there's plenty on the line. The Bearcats are looking to recapture momentum and build some confidence heading into the heart of their schedule. Here are the key storylines to keep an eye on as Wes Miller's squad prepares for a significant test against the Tigers.
Will Jizzle James Push for More Minutes?
Don’t expect a starting lineup shakeup just yet, but Jizzle James is making things interesting. After a strong shooting performance Wednesday, the freshman guard is earning more than just a passing glance. While Kerr Kriisa remains the starter for now, the contrast in recent production is hard to ignore.
Kriisa’s 1-for-9 outing against Alabama State raised eyebrows - not just for the stat line, but for the lack of rhythm he's shown lately. Meanwhile, James looked composed and confident, and if that continues, it’s not hard to imagine him carving out a 25- to 30-minute role. That kind of spark off the bench - or potentially in the starting five - could be a game-changer, especially against a Clemson team that won’t be easy to crack.
Momentum matters in college basketball, and James is trending in the right direction. Whether he starts or not, his presence on the floor could be a major factor Sunday.
Injury Watch: Tyler McKinley and Sencire Harris
Cincinnati’s depth is already being tested, and injuries to two key contributors aren’t helping the cause. Tyler McKinley missed Wednesday’s game with a bone bruise - a concerning development given his history of lower-body issues. Sencire Harris, meanwhile, played just three minutes due to a back injury, the latest in a string of nagging ailments for the sophomore.
If both are sidelined again, the Bearcats are down to seven reliable rotation players. That puts pressure on the rest of the roster to step up and limits what Wes Miller can do with lineups and matchups. Guys like Jordi Rodriguez, Halvine Dzellat, and Keyshuan Tillery may see the floor in short stints, but they’re not expected to carry heavy minutes.
Against a deep Clemson squad, that kind of roster strain could become a real issue as the game wears on.
Can Cincinnati Hold Up Late?
Second-half slippage has been a theme lately, and it’s something Cincinnati can’t afford against a Clemson team that brings depth and balance. Like Georgia, Clemson has nine players averaging at least 15 minutes per game - and that kind of rotation can wear opponents down.
The Tigers don’t push the pace quite like Georgia, which could work in Cincinnati’s favor. But depth isn’t just about tempo - it’s about keeping legs fresh, maintaining defensive intensity, and having multiple scoring options late. The Bearcats have struggled in that department, particularly when the rotation tightens and fatigue sets in.
If Cincinnati wants to pull off a win here, they’ll need to find a way to finish strong - something that’s been elusive in recent outings.
Baba Miller’s Breakout - Fueled by Jizzle James?
One of the most intriguing developments this week was Baba Miller’s assertive performance against Alabama State. A 26-point, 14-rebound night with eight dunks? That’s not just production - that’s dominance.
According to Wes Miller, the big man is playing with a more forceful mindset, and it’s showing. But what’s just as important is who’s helping unlock that version of Miller: Jizzle James.
The chemistry between the two is becoming more noticeable. James’ ability to break down defenses and create opportunities is giving Miller more chances to attack - and Miller is responding with energy and aggression.
If Miller can start knocking down threes consistently, his ceiling in the Big 12 goes way up. Right now, he’s already showing flashes of being one of the most versatile and dangerous players in the league.
Keep an eye on that duo. If James continues to facilitate and Miller keeps playing downhill, Cincinnati could have a legitimate 1-2 punch brewing.
Final Thought
This game against Clemson is more than just another nonconference matchup - it’s a chance for Cincinnati to find its identity. With questions around the backcourt, injuries thinning the rotation, and second-half struggles lingering, the Bearcats need a performance that reasserts who they are.
Sunday’s game won’t be easy. But it’s the kind of test that can galvanize a team - or expose its cracks. We’ll find out which direction Cincinnati is heading soon enough.