Cincinnati Bearcats Triumph in Landing 4-star wing Tyler Betsey – Key Implications for the Team

The Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball program has just secured a commitment from Tyler Betsey, a highly coveted four-star recruit from Connecticut’s St. Thomas More. Here are the key details:

• Betsey ultimately chose Cincinnati over strong competition from UConn and Alabama.
• He is currently ranked as the 32nd-best prospect in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
• Betsey recently earned the title of Connecticut’s 2022-23 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, thanks to his impressive averages of 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. Additionally, he showcased his talent with the NY Rens on the EYBL grassroots circuit.
• Cane Broome, an assistant coach at St. Thomas More, brings a unique connection to the Cincinnati program, having played for the Bearcats from 2017 to 2019 under former coach Mick Cronin. Betsey will join fellow four-star recruit Tyler McKinley in the highly anticipated 2024 Cincinnati class.

Scouting Report

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-8, Betsey possesses excellent positional size and is rapidly developing into a formidable 3-and-D wing player. His smooth shooting stroke, accompanied by a quick release, allows him to confidently knock down shots from deep. Additionally, his length enables him to disrupt passing lanes, resulting in deflections and steals that often lead to easy scoring opportunities. When fully engaged, Betsey exhibits the potential to become a standout defender on the perimeter. Overall, he possesses strong athleticism, natural instincts, and will primarily serve as a floor spacer at the next level.

Although he struggled with his 3-point shooting at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam (32.1 percent), Betsey demonstrated his prowess during the regular season by converting 40-of-114 attempts from beyond the arc (35.1 percent). While he could improve his ability to create shots off the dribble, his existing strengths will undoubtedly earn him playing time as a freshman, as he continues to expand his game. — Tobias Bass, basketball recruiting writer

Impact on Cincinnati

This commitment carries immense significance for coach Wes Miller and the entire Bearcats program. Betsey represents one of the highest-rated recruits to sign with Cincinnati during the 247Sports era, surpassing even the likes of Jermaine Lawrence in 2013. His combination of size and athleticism on the perimeter align perfectly with Miller’s up-tempo and fluid offensive system.

In conjunction with the addition of Tyler McKinley in 2024 and the incoming freshmen Jizzle James and Rayvon Griffith from the 2023 class, Cincinnati is steadily assembling a strong foundation of young and talented players as they embark on their Big 12 journey this season. — Justin Williams, Cincinnati Bearcats writer

What’s Next for the Bearcats

With most of their 2024 recruiting targets already committed elsewhere, the Bearcats managed to secure an official visit from Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson and a highly regarded four-star recruit. Richardson, who has already visited Alabama and Michigan State, intends to make his decision in mid-October.

Furthermore, Wes Miller and his staff are actively pursuing the recruitment of five-star center Jayden Quaintance, who recently reclassified to the 2024 class. Although his scheduled visit to Cincinnati on October 13 has been replaced by a visit to Florida, the Bearcats remain in the running for his signature. — Bass

Additional Resources

(Photo: Dylan Buell / Getty Images)