Cincy on the Prowl
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David DeJulius reveals return for his senior season

By Charles Post

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: DeJon Jarreau #3 of the Houston Cougars defends against David DeJulius #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of a game at the Fertitta Center on February 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: DeJon Jarreau #3 of the Houston Cougars defends against David DeJulius #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of a game at the Fertitta Center on February 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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David DeJulius announced he will use the additional year of eligibility from the NCAA due to the pandemic to return for his senior season. The 6’0 point guard scored a team-high 14.5 points and 2.6 assists per game in 33 starts last year. He will look to lead the Bearcats back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

Cincinnati went just 18-15 and finished eighth place in the American Conference last year but showed improvements from the prior season and should have a chance to continue climbing with DeJulius returning alongside a trio of incoming transfers Rob Phinisee (Indiana), Landers Nolley II (Memphis) and Kalu Ezikpe (Old Dominion).

Despite struggling to shoot consistently from beyond the arc, DeJulius was one of the most productive scorers in the American Conference. The Detroit native earned second team All-AAC honors and drastically improved his efficiency compared to his first year with the Bearcats in 2021.

Following his sophomore season with Michigan, DeJulius transferred to Cincinnati and started 16 games under previous head coach John Brannen. He averaged 9.1 points and 4.2 assists per game but was a liability on the perimeter at times, shooting just 36% from the field and 20.3% from 3-point range.

DeJulius focused on becoming a more reliable shooter and it definitely showed last season, shooting a team-best 82.4% from the free throw line, in addition to 40.9% from the field and 29.7% from 3-point territory. If those percentages can continue to increase then DeJulius could lead the team in scoring for a second consecutive season.

He was the only player to start every game a year ago and seemed to build a strong relationship with first year head coach Wes Miller. The former 4-star recruit racked up 10 games with 20+ points and dropped a season-high 25 points against eventual conference champion Houston.

The Bearcats will begin the season in November against Northern Kentucky.