Jizzle James’ breakup with Cincinnati basketball has gone from messy to unmistakable.
After being dismissed by Wes Miller and the Charlotte basketball program in recent weeks, the former Cincinnati point guard has continued posting as if a return to the Bearcats is still on the table. According to a message James shared on social media, the school has now told him to stop representing himself as part of the program.
The message laid out the issue plainly: “As you are no longer a member of the University of Cincinnati men's basketball program, you are no longer authorized to use, represent, or commercially promote the University of Cincinnati basketball program, including the use of the University's name, logos, uniforms, jerseys, or other team-related likenesses,” the message read. “Any sale, advertisement, or distribution of University of Cincinnati basketball jerseys or merchandise representing you as a current player is strictly prohibited.
“Additionally, you may not publish, share, or promote any social media posts, advertisements, or other communications suggesting or stating that you are returning to play for the University of Cincinnati basketball program. Effective immediately, all public or commercial representations implying your current affiliation with the program must cease.”
James’ response came with his own merchandise defense and plenty of profanity: “I have my own merch I made. I don't need y'all jerseys, and f*** Cincinnati for all I care,” James said.
The situation is especially strange because James has kept insisting he will get back on the Bearcats roster, even though there’s no path for that to happen. Cincinnati dismissed him from the team last summer in Miller’s final season before bringing him back onto the roster midway through the 2025-26 season.
James was in the program from 2023-26 and played in 95 games. He was also Miller’s top recruit early in his tenure.
For now, Cincinnati has clearly moved on. The Bearcats added their 14th player on Saturday with former Bowling Green standout Javontae Campbell, and they’re trying to finish the roster at the maximum 15 with MJ Collins in the coming weeks, pending his eligibility in a fifth and final season.
James’ latest post only adds another odd chapter to a situation that has already gone well past normal.
In Other News...
Trey Kaufman-Renn's Eligibility Fight Just Raised A New Purdue Question
Trey Kaufman-Renns fight for a sixth year of eligibility has become one of the more unusual offseason wrinkles tied to Purdue basketball. The former Boilermaker appeared in court this week as part of his lawsuit against the NCAA, but no final decision came at the hearing, leaving both sides to file proposed orders before a ruling is expected soon.
For Purdue fans, the bigger question is less about the courtroom process than what comes next for a player who is already being courted by several college programs. Kaufman-Renn has not signaled a return to West Lafayette, and with the Minnesota Timberwolves having selected him in the 2026 NBA Draft, his path now sits at the intersection of college eligibility and pro opportunity. [Read more 🡒]
Purdue Defense Just Gave Fans A Reason To Believe Early
Purdue walked out of Week 1 with a win over Indiana State, but the early-season encouraging sign for fans came on the other side of the ball. The Boilermakers defensive line graded as the seventh-best in college football for the opening week, finishing with an 88.0 rating and flashing the kind of front that can make a defense feel sturdier than it did a year ago.
Defensive coordinator Kevin Kanes imprint was already visible, with Ian Jeffries and Rodney Lora helping drive a strong showing up front and transfer defensive back Don Saunders making an immediate impact in the secondary. Saunders not only picked off a pass and took it back for a touchdown in his debut, he also graded out among the nations top cornerbacks, giving Purdue a few more reasons to think the defense may have real staying power as the schedule stiffens. [Read more 🡒]
Purdue Defense Faces An Early Test Fans Have Reason To Worry About
Purdues season opener offered an early reminder that the defense still has some housekeeping to do, especially when it comes to explosive plays and quarterbacks who can hurt a defense in more than one way. Against Indiana State, the Boilermakers had trouble keeping a lid on the game, and now they turn around to face a Wake Forest offense that arrives with a mobile quarterback and a clear recent track record of stressing defenses in space.
Defensive coordinator Kevin Kane has already pointed to the challenge of dealing with Wake Forests Gio Lopez, whose opening-game performance showed how quickly a defense can get out of rhythm when it loses discipline. For Purdue, the assignment is as much about execution as it is about talent, because the Boilermakers need to tighten up their angles, finish plays, and avoid giving up the kind of big gains that can swing a game before halftime. [Read more 🡒]