FULL COURT REVIEW: MODELO'S BIG 12 BASKETBALL TEAM RECAPS: Cincinnati: Chad Brendel, Owner of Bearcatjournal.com, Joins Big 12 Today!

Big 12 Today Recaps the 2025-2026 Season!

Join Ari and James for a full court review of the 2025-2026 Big 12 basketball season. In Modelo's Big 12 Basketball Team Recaps, this episode features Cincinnati.

During the review, Ari and James analyzed the Bearcats' season, highlighting the talent they possessed but were unable to capitalize on to get over the hump. Although Cincinnati finished the season strong, coach Miller was dismissed following the Big 12 Tournament after falling just short once again.

The program has brought in Jerrod Calhoun with the goal of making the team more competitive in the Big 12 and elevating the Cincinnati brand.

Chad Brendel, owner of BearcatJournal.com, joined Big 12 Today to discuss Cincinnati's basketball season.

He began by reflecting on Cincinnati's collapse against UCF in the Big 12 Tournament, which he characterized as emblematic of the Wes Miller era—respected and well-liked by players, but ultimately unable to get the team over the hump. Brendel addressed Cincinnati's NIL budget and its implications for new head coach Jerrod Calhoun.

He emphasized the high expectations from the fanbase, who see NCAA Tournament appearances as a must every year, with frustrations mounting when the program falls short. Brendel attributed these standards to the legacy set by Bob Huggins.

He also discussed roster construction through the transfer portal, acknowledging challenges but expressing optimism under Calhoun's leadership.

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Big 12 Today with Ari Temkin and James Westling - bringing you the latest news, highlights, interviews and inside information from every corner of the Big 12 Conference.