Three exhibitions have shown an effective strategy: play fast, share the ball and use a versatile roster.
The Eagles are from Washington, D.C., and quite honestly, it would be unexpected for the Bearcats to drop this game, given their talent level. American must face the Bearcats in Calhoun's first official contest, then head on to Clemson for another pre-Patriot League "buy game."
As he did during the exhibitions, Calhoun will likely play at least 10 players, many of them for 10 minutes or more.
"We've got guys that can do a lot of things," Calhoun said. "Whatever the game needs, there's certain players that can provide that. Whether you start or come off the bench, who really cares? Every game, somebody's going to be our leading scorer; it's going to be different."
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3 keys for Cincinnati Bearcats vs. American Eagles
1. Cincinnati Bearcats need to continue sharing basketball
UC's ball movement under Calhoun has been impressive through three exhibitions. The Bearcats racked up 31 assists to just four for Oakland in their final tune-up.
"The ball brings energy, so when the ball touches everybody, that means everybody plays better," guard Eric Mahaffey said. "When the ball's moving, that means we're playing better in all aspects of the game. I love the way we move the ball."
2. Cincinnati Bearcats can build early buzz
The Eagles lost both of their exhibitions, to NJIT and Howard. Coach Calhoun wants to sell out Fifth Third Arena regularly, and that starts with the non-conference games. While the non-conference schedule doesn't feature the same atmosphere of the Big 12 games, it could if the Bearcats start putting up big numbers.
"There's an expectation that I want to get this program back and get it back in a big way," Calhoun said. "I want our guys to play free, but I want them to play possessed. I want them to play for the city and we've got to play with an attitude of what the Bearcat teams have been around here."
3. Cincinnati Bearcats need to cut down on fouls
In all three of their exhibitions, UC's opponents have shot more free throws. Ohio State had 36 attempts, Illinois 24 and Oakland 28. Do the Bearcats foul that much?
"Yes, I see it in practice," Calhoun said. "It's that time of year, putting your hands on them on drives, hands on the post. I thought DeShaun Vaden was going to foul out (vs. Oakland) and he played two and a half minutes."
Newcomer Amani Lyles also had four fouls in just over 10 minutes against Oakland. In the Ohio State exhibition, Adlan Elamin fouled out and MJ Collins Jr. used his allotted fouls against Illinois.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. American tip time
Tip: 7 p.m. Nov. 2, Fifth Third Arena (12,012)
TV/Radio: ESPN+/700WLW
Series: The two teams have never met
American Eagles scouting report
Record: 16-16 (9-9 Patriot League) last season
Coach: Duane Simpkins (Fifth year, 54-45 overall)
Offense: 74.6 ppg (2025-26)
Defense: 71.3 ppg (2025-26)
American University projected starters
(Position, Height, Stats)
Greg Jones (F, 6'6", 12.5 ppg)
Madden Collins (G, 6'6", 13.4 ppg)
Julen Iturbe (F, 6'7", 10.5 ppg)
Eric Michaels (F, 6'9", 3.2 points in 2024-25, injured last season)
Kade Sebastian (G, 6'4", 5.7 ppg)
Cincinnati Bearcats scouting report
Record: 18-15, 9-9 Big 12 in 2025-26 under Wes Miller
Coach: Jerrod Calhoun, first year; 297-159 overall with five seasons in Division II and nine in Division I
Offense: 73.1 ppg (under Wes Miller)
Defense: 67.6 ppg (under Wes Miller)
Cincinnati Bearcats projected starters
(Position, Height, Stats)
Tylen Riley (G, 6'3", 15 ppg at Tulsa)
Myles Colvin (G, 6'6", 11.6 ppg at Wake Forest)
Jayden Hastings (C, 6'10", 6.7 ppg at Boston College)
MJ Collins (G, 6'2", 17.5 ppg at Utah State)
Tyler Tejada (F, 6'9", 17.7 ppg at Towson)
Cincinnati Bearcats, American Eagles to watch
Forward Greg Jones is American's second-leading scorer from last season at 12.5 points per game and was voted Preseason Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. Teammate Madden Collins topped the Eagles in scoring at 13.4 points per game and earned Preseason All-Patriot League honors.
UC guards MJ Collins and Myles Colvin showed their veteran savvy in the final exhibition win over Oakland with 10 of UC's 15 3-pointers between them. Collins had 22 points, missed three shots for the Bearcats and posted a game-best plus/minus figure of 33. Colvin made five 3-pointers and led UC with six rebounds.
Cincinnati Bearcats, American rankings
KenPom.com: UC is No. 31 preseason; American is No. 203
2025-26 final NCAA NET: UC was No. 49, American was No. 256
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What to expect as Cincinnati Bearcats open Jerrod Calhoun era
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