Cincinnati Bearcats basketball makes signing of French big man official

As The Enquirer reported last week, the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball program has added 6-foot-10 French prospect Halvine Dzellat (Hal-vinn Zell-uh) ahead of the upcoming season. Dzellat signed and it became official Wednesday.

Dzellat was the captain of the French U20 FIBA team this season in its gold medal run, averaging eight points and 4.4 rebounds over a seven-game stretch. He was also a member of the U19 team.

He played for Lille's Pro B team in France, which falls in the second division of basketball in the country. Under head coach Maxime Bezin, Dzellat was one of the youngest players on the roster and averaged 6.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg.

Dzellat joins three other freshmen, as well as three transfers (Dillon Mitchell, Texas; Arrinten Page, USC; Connor Hickman, Bradley) as newcomers to this year's team.

Dzellat is 20 years old but not expected to play until the 2025-26 season. He currently stands to serve as good practice competition for Aziz Bandaogo and new transfer Page.

Caresource Hoops Classic vs. Dayton, Ohio State exhibition tickets

Tickets are on sale now for the Friday, Dec. 20 matchup at HeritageBankCenter.com, Ticketmaster.com or through the Ticketmaster app.

As for UC's announced CareSource Exhibition Game for Mental Health with the Buckeyes on Oct. 18, tickets as well as the tip-off time, will be announced when available. Season ticket holders will have priority access, followed by the general public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

UC last played Ohio State in the Maui Classic in Hawaii Nov. 22, 2022. Their last wins against the Buckeyes came in the 1961 and 1962 national championship games. Win or lose, this one's for charity.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC Bearcats basketball offficially announce signing of French center