In this week’s review, the Opening Day that wasn’t in Cincinnati. More Cincinnati Bengals free agency developments. Plus, local college basketball teams grapple with transfers and draft declarations.

The Opening Day that wasn’t for the Cincinnati Reds

Last Thursday was supposed to be Opening Day for Major League Baseball. While the game and parade were both postponed. The spirit of the Cincinnati area’s unofficial regional holiday lived on. Last year’s Cincinnati Reds Opening Day game was re-broadcast on Fox Sports Ohio. While some across the region wore Reds apparel last Thursday. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Bobby Nightengale wrote about one Reds victory. Through Reds relief pitcher Amir Garrett winning an “MLB The Show” players tournament.

Cincinnati Bengals free agent frenzy continues

Cincinnati had another busy week on the free agent front. The Bengals added safety Vonn Bell from the New Orleans Saints. According to Spotrac, Bell’s three-year deal is worth $18 million. Cincinnati also added linebacker Josh Bynes last week. The 31 year old was with the Baltimore Ravens last season. Cincinnati also added wide receiver Mike Thomas from the Los Angeles Rams. Plus, cornerback LeShaun Sims from the Tennessee Titans.

Meanwhile, the Bengals had several free agent departures last week. Most notably, tight end Tyler Eifert left Cincinnati for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Eifert was drafted by the Bengals in 2013; spending his entire career so far in Cincinnati. His career has been plagued by injuries; particularly after a 2015 season that featured a playoff and Pro Bowl appearance. He just emerged from his most complete season since 2015.

Eifert appeared in all 16 Bengals games last season. After appearing in just 14 between the 2016 and 2018 seasons. He was nearly set to reunite with former Bengal Darqueze Dennard. However, negotiations between Dennard and the Jaguars fell apart. Cincinnati also recently bid aideu to Tony McRae and Clayton Fejedelem.

Local College Basketball transfer and draft news

Two Northern Kentucky Basketball players recently entered the NCAA’s transfer portal. Jalen Tate and Tre Cobbs announced their decisions last week. Both played for three seasons at NKU after redshirting for one. Both could play as a graduate transfer for one more season. Xavier Basketball and Cincinnati Basketball are among several programs interested in Tate. According to reporting from 247Sports writer Brian Snow. Cincinnati’s interest is particularly unsurprising due to the John Brannen connection.

Xavier is also making waves in their pursuit of graduate transfers. Adding Gardner-Webb Basketball transfer Nate Johnson last Saturday night. Along with Division II Mercy College Basketball grad transfer Bryan Griffin. Johnson lead Gardner-Webb with an .845 free throw percentage last season. He was a close second on the team in three-point field goals per game. Griffin is coming off of his best season in the rebounding department. With a collegiate career-high 347 total rebounds last season; 255 were defensive rebounds.

Cincinnati Bearcats guard Keith Williams is testing the metaphorical NBA Draft waters. Announcing that he’s entering the NBA Draft last Friday. Potentially forgoing his senior season with Cincinnati if drafted. However, Williams is keeping the door open for a return to UC for his senior season. Williams has until June 3rd to decide whether to return to UC or remain draft eligible. Meanwhile, Xavier junior forward Naji Marshall also declared for the NBA Draft last week. The first-team All-Big East player is also keeping his options open for a potential return to Xavier.