When Coach Calhoun and his staff landed George Mason transfer Riley Allenspach, they added more than just size to Cincinnati’s frontcourt. The 6’11, 247lb forward arrives in Clifton as one of the most productive big men in the Atlantic 10 and gives the Bearcats an experienced, versatile offensive weapon heading into the upcoming season.
Originally from Charlotte North Carolina, Allenspach attended Providence Day school before beginning his collegiate career at George Mason under respected head coach Tony Skinn. After earning All-Atlantic 10 Second Team honors last season, he now brings his talents to one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
Proven Numbers
Allenspach enters Cincinnati coming off a breakout campaign in which he averaged 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 56.6% from the field. His efficiency wasn’t limited to scoring around the basket either, as he also knocked down 31.3% of his three-point attempts.
His ability to score efficiently earned him a spot among the nation’s leaders in field-goal percentage, finishing 36th. For a player of his size, that level of offensive production speaks to both his skillset and basketball IQ. I have a feeling that with Calhoun’s offensive system, defenders will have to step out and keep Allenspach honest from the midrange and outside perimeter. Calhoun’s 5-out alignment, and Spain pick and roll action, should compliment Allenspach nicely.
Whether in the post, finishing around the rim, or stepping out and stretching the floor, Allenspach has proven capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
A Perfect Fit for Calhoun’s System
One of the most eye-catching areas of Allenspach’s game is his versatility on the offensive side of the ball. At nearly seven feet tall, he possesses the size to battle in the paint but also has the skill level to play away from the basket.
His high basketball IQ consistently shows up on film. He understands spacing, makes smart decisions with the ball, and knows how to find scoring opportunities without forcing a bad play. That type of efficiency should naturally flow into Calhoun’s offensive philosophy.
The Bearcats have emphasized adding experienced players who can contribute immediately, and Allenspach certainly checks that box. His combination of size, skill, and experience should allow him to carve out a significant role from day one.
Big 12 Ready
Making the jump from the Atlantic 10 to the Big 12 is never easy, but Allenspach appears well equipped for the challenge.
His physical frame at 247 lbs should help him handle the physicality that comes with competing against some of the nation’s best frontcourts. His ability to score both inside and out gives Cincinnati another offensive dimension that defenses will have to account for.
Players with his mix of size, efficiency, and versatility are difficult to find, and highly sought after in the transfer portal, making him one of the better additions of Cincinnati’s offseason.
My Final Thoughts
With just one year of eligibility remaining, Riley Allenspach arrives in Cincinnati looking to make an immediate impact. The Bearcats are getting a proven producer, an intelligent player, and a versatile offensive threat who has already shown he can succeed.
His production at George Mason proves why Cincinnati fans should be excited about what the veteran forward can bring to Clifton during the 2026 season. Numbers don’t lie.
I’ll also include some highlights below:
Feel free to reach out to me on X anytime! @CalhounsCats & @CriglerMedia
Leave a Reply