The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team is heating up this offseason, and new head coach Jarred Calhoun just added another key piece to the roster. Akai Fleming, a 6-foot-4, 184-pound guard, is making the move from Georgia Tech to Cincinnati, bringing a wealth of ACC experience with him.
Fleming, who confirmed his transfer via social media on May 6, started 22 of 30 games for the Yellow Jackets last season. He put up solid numbers, averaging 10.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. While his overall shooting percentage sat at 37.3%, he showed range from beyond the arc at 32.9% and was reliable at the charity stripe, hitting 81.6% of his free throws. That kind of consistency from the line is a game-changer in close contests.
But Fleming isn't just a stat-sheet filler—he's got a knack for stepping up in big moments. His season-high came against Lafayette in non-conference play, where he dropped 20 points. Against ACC competition, he proved he can hang with the best. In February, he posted 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists against a ranked Louisville squad. And against Clemson? He was held to just four points in the regular season, but he bounced back in the ACC tournament with an impressive 18-point, six-rebound performance against the same Tigers.
Fleming also faced off against future teammate Myles Colvin, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, and five assists in that matchup. That chemistry could be a big plus as the Bearcats build their rotation.
Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Fleming was a four-star recruit who was actually offered by Cincinnati during the Wes Miller era. He spent his high school days at Overtime Elite in Atlanta, where he averaged 15.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In a notable November 2024 game against Fear of God Athletics—a squad featuring former Bearcat Shon Abaev—Fleming lit it up for 21 points. Interestingly, the UC coaching staff was in Atlanta that same day, catching Fleming's Overtime Elite action the night before a game at Georgia Tech.
With Fleming on board, the Bearcats roster now sits at 11 players under Calhoun's leadership. Fans should be excited about this addition—Fleming's ACC pedigree and clutch scoring could be exactly what Cincinnati needs to make some noise next season. And for those looking to rep the Bearcats in style, now's the perfect time to grab some fresh gear to match the energy of this revamped squad.