(BCSNN) — The University of Cincinnati has dismissed starting point guard Jizzle James from its men’s basketball program, head coach Wes Miller confirmed Tuesday. James, the team’s leading scorer last season, had been away from the program since mid-July while dealing with undisclosed personal issues.

“Jizzle James has been dealing with personal issues throughout the summer,” Miller said in a statement. “We removed him from the team last month. He is currently not a member of our basketball program. As this is a personal matter, I will have no further comment at this time.” The announcement ends weeks of speculation following cryptic social media posts from James and reports of erratic behavior.

James, the son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James, averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game in 2024–25, starting all 35 contests for the Bearcats. A former four-star recruit out of Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, James committed to Cincinnati over Indiana, Miami, and USC. He was ranked as the No. 10 point guard in the 2023 class and quickly became a cornerstone of Miller’s offense.

His dismissal leaves a significant void in Cincinnati’s backcourt heading into the 2025–26 season. The Bearcats are expected to turn to Kentucky transfer Kerr Kriisa, a veteran guard with 94 career starts, to fill the role. Kriisa, known for his shooting and playmaking, was cleared to return from a knee injury earlier this summer and is now projected to lead a retooled lineup that includes transfers Moustapha Thiam, Baba Miller, and Sencire Harris.

James’ departure also raises questions about depth and leadership for a program aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Miller, entering his fifth season, faces mounting pressure after back-to-back losing records in Big 12 play. The Bearcats finished 19–16 last season but missed the postseason despite a strong non-conference showing.

While James’ future remains uncertain, his impact on Cincinnati basketball was undeniable. Whether he pursues a transfer, professional opportunities, or steps away from the game, his story continues to unfold beyond the court. For the Bearcats, the focus now shifts to regrouping and redefining their identity without their most dynamic playmaker.