Cincinnati Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bearcats

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: A detailed view of the AAC Championship banner displayed on the backboard after du the final game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship between Cincinnati Bearcats and the Houston Cougarsa at Amway Center on March 11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

2 of 5

NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drives to the basket against Malik Benlevi #2 of the Georgia State Panthers during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Starters

PG – SR Justin Jenifer

There was a hole at the start of last season at the point guard position and while the minutes were ultimately split, Jenifer got the starting nod. Expect him to start again, along with an uptick in offensive production. He averaged just a few points in 20 mpg but did have efficient shooting numbers. Jenifer will go from being the fifth option on the court to the second or third this season.

SG- JR Jarron Cumberland

The lone returning double-digit scorer from a season ago, Cumberland will be tasked with leading Cincinnati on the offensive end. He averaged 11.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 2.9 apg on 41% shooting as a full-time starter. Can he be the best player on an NCAA Tournament contender? We’ll soon find out.

SF – JR Rashawn Fredricks

A consensus top-5 Junior College transfer, Fredricks is considered the heir apparent to Evans on the wings, with a similar size and skill set. The 6’5 guard might not be as good a defender but he’s a great shooter and athlete who could easily fit that “3 and D” role for the Bearcats.

PF – JR Tre Scott

Scott has been a solid contributor off the bench for Cincinnati in his first two seasons, providing a few points and rebounds in 12 mpg. He’s an outstanding rebounder and defender (not at Clark’s level but a great replacement nonetheless) and if he can provide anywhere between 7-10 ppg, Scott will have a big impact with the rising minutes.

C – JR Nysier Brooks

Another big man set to have a workload increase, Brooks is a 6’11 and 245-pound big man who also has shown to rebound and defend in limited minutes. Mick Cronin has always had great big men who can score and rebound (Washington of course being the exception) but not always competent scorers. Either Brooks or Scott needs to become double-digit scorers next season for Cincinnati to be a postseason threat.

Home/Cincinnati Bearcats