Image courtesy of Cincinnati Athletics Department
When Jerrod Calhoun took over at Cincinnati, one of the themes he has consistently emphasized is bringing in players who know what winning looks like. Myles Colvin fits that description perfectly.
The former Purdue and Wake Forest guard arrives in Clifton with a mix of experience, athleticism, and defensive upside, all while being a walking highlight reel in transition. Bearcat fans should have plenty of reasons to be excited about what he could bring to the floor this season.
Images courtesy of Purdue & Wake Forest Athletics Department
As a freshman in 2023-24, he was part of a Purdue squad that reached the national championship game before falling to UConn, giving him early exposure to the highest level of college basketball. Colvin spent the 2024-25 season at Purdue, where he saw an increased role for a Boilermaker team that advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to Houston. He averaged 5.4 points per game while shooting 31% from three and started eight games for one of the nation’s most successful programs. While the numbers weren’t off the charts, he gained valuable experience in a winning environment and learned what it takes to compete deep into March.
Looking for a larger role, Colvin transferred to Wake Forest for the 2025-26 season and took a significant step forward. His minutes jumped from 17.8 to 27.1 per game, and the production followed. He averaged 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest while improving his shooting efficiency across the board. His three-point percentage climbed to 36%, and he knocked down 87% from the free-throw line, which would be a team high.
Before reaching the college level, Colvin was already a highly regarded prospect. The Heritage Christian School product was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports and built a reputation as one of the better athletes in his class.
That athleticism is his best attribute, as he soars above defenders and is a walking highlight reel.
At 6’5″ with length and wicked explosiveness, Colvin is the type of player who can change momentum in a hurry. He’s a walking highlight reel in transition, capable of finishing above the rim and making plays that energize both teammates and the crowd. When he gets out in space, there aren’t many defenders who can match his combination of speed, size, and leaping ability. I personally would make the very quick business decision to steer clear of Myles to avoid making an ESPN top 10 highlight.
Image courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics Department
On the opposite side of the ball, he may be even more valuable.
Colvin brings the physicality and athletic profile needed to survive in the Big 12. He’s an aggressive defender who can disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and hold his own against bigger wings. His rebounding ability from the guard position only adds to his value, giving Cincinnati another player capable of helping finish defensive possessions.
Like many players, Colvin has areas where he can continue to grow. There have been stretches of inconsistency throughout his career, particularly when it comes to shot selection and efficiency. However, Cincinnati may be an ideal landing spot for him. Calhoun’s system is expected to emphasize pace, defensive pressure, and creating quality offensive opportunities. A more defined role and improved shot diet could help Colvin reach another level of production.
His addition also strengthens what could become one of the better perimeter defensive groups in the Big 12.
Pairing Colvin with Trevian Carson gives Cincinnati two guards capable of making life difficult for opposing backcourts. Add players like Mahaffey, Adlan Elamin, Tylen Riley, and Akai Fleming into the mix, and the Bearcats suddenly have a team loaded with length, athleticism, and defensive versatility on the perimeter. I fully expect this team to be very aggressive on the perimeter and to emphasize forcing turnovers to create scoring opportunities.
That aligns closely with what Calhoun’s teams have looked like in the past. Utah State ranked 26th across all teams in steals per game, averaging 8.7 as a team. Calhoun’s Aggies also forced a 19.7% TO rate against top 100 teams. If Cincinnati can consistently create turnovers and push the pace, Colvin could become one of the biggest beneficiaries of Calhoun’s system. When he has a runway to the basket, he’s a problem. A menace, some would say.
In a recent Legends Unplugged podcast hosted by former Bearcat players Corie Blount and Terry Nelson, they featured Cincinnati GM Corey Evans, who shared his thoughts on the addition of Myles Colvin. Touching on Colvin’s prior experience.
“The guy is so experienced, he’s played eleven postseason games.”
Evans also pointed to qualities that don’t always show up in the box score.
“His level of maturity goes back to his stoicism. His consistency day in and day out,” Evans said.
I’ll include the podcast link below for anyone who wants to listen to Corey Evan’s full thoughts. He covers the guards at 41:14.
The stats tell part of the story, but the upside is what should have Bearcat fans excited. If Calhoun can help unlock the most consistent version of Myles Colvin, Cincinnati may have landed one of the most impactful newcomers in its transfer class.
I’ll link some of his highlights below.
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