Jerrod Calhoun, Cincinnati Bearcats basketball prepare for exhibitions

Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun has assembled his roster of 15 players, with two players yet to be cleared for the season. The team has been practicing since early summer and has taken a short trip to the Bahamas for exhibitions. Calhoun is ready to see some competition and plans three dress rehearsals in October.

The first game is against Ohio State on October 7 at the CareSource Invitational at the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason. The Bearcats will then face Illinois on October 17 and Oakland University on October 27. Calhoun invited Ohio State's staff into Fifth Third Arena to scout them, which is an unconventional move but something he enjoys doing.

The Bearcats have a strong perimeter shooting team, with many players being reliable three-point shooters and free-throw experts. The women's basketball team, coached by Katrina Merriweather, is looking to improve after a losing non-conference slate last season. They have a few returning scorers, including Caliyah DeVillassee, but will need to mature and handle individual expectations. The season starts on November 4 against East Texas A&M.