Jon Rothstein got a very specific kind of welcome to a Cincinnati Bearcats practice on Friday, Sept. 25: a cooler full of Graeter’s ice cream, delivered with a sharp challenge. MJ Collins handed it over directly, telling Rothstein, “This time it’s on us, next time you pay.” This came after the CBS Sports and FanDuel Sports Network pundit had earlier snubbed UC from his “Rothstein 45” list back in July. This ain’t just a friendly gesture, it’s a direct shot, setting the stage for what could be an epic season.
A 7-Year Drought and a Bold Promise
Rothstein, known for his college basketball takes, stirred the pot hard this summer. He correctly pointed out the Bearcats haven’t seen an NCAA tournament game since March 22, 2019. That’s when they coughed up a 13-point lead to Iowa in a brutal first-round loss. That one still stings for UC fans. Rothstein talked up Bob Huggins and Mick Cronin’s tournament success, a clear jab. Then came the ultimate challenge: Rothstein swore he’d fly to Cincinnati and buy Graeter’s ice cream for all Bearcats fans at Fountain Square for an hour if coach Jerrod Calhoun’s team goes dancing in March 2027. He put his credit card on the line, saying he doesn’t hide from his predictions. Calhoun, naturally, said he’d prove Rothstein dead wrong. This isn’t just about ice cream, it’s about erasing a painful seven-year tournament drought.
The Cooler Drop and the Road Ahead
Fast forward to last Friday, and Calhoun brought the heat, inviting Rothstein right to practice. Rothstein, documenting the whole thing on his X account, watched as Calhoun introduced the players. Get this: Rothstein still picked them 12th out of the 16-team Big 12, even after meeting them! Then they played his summer prognostication about the drought for everyone to hear. That’s when MJ Collins made the epic move, dropping that Graeter’s cooler on him. Rothstein, for his part, appreciated the gesture but said he was trying to shed some pounds. He did admit in a previous interview he’s a black raspberry chip fan, so you know which flavor he’s eyeing. Now, the Bearcats shift focus to the court. Their exhibition season kicks off Oct. 7 in the CareSource Invitational against Ohio State, followed by a matchup with national semifinalist Illinois on Oct. 17. They also face Oakland on Oct. 27 before the regular season tips off on Nov. 2 against American. There are a couple of question marks though, with MJ Collins awaiting eligibility word and newcomer Javontae Campbell on crutches with an injured foot, possibly ready by the new year.
This whole ice cream drama is a perfect spark for the Bearcats heading into their preseason. With the “Calhoun Street” documentary being shot to capture all this, the stakes are sky-high for Jerrod Calhoun and his squad. Every single dribble, every basket, every practice is now leading to one goal: making Rothstein pay for that Graeter’s. Get ready, because these ‘Cats are out to prove a point, and we’ll be watching every step of the way, starting with exhibition games.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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