CINCINNATI — New Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun has made no secret of his desire to build the Bearcats in his image.

This week, he took another significant step toward doing exactly that as Cincinnati officially added transfers Elijah Perryman and Adlan Elamin, giving Calhoun two players already familiar with his system after both spent last season playing under him at Utah State.

The pair arrive in Clifton following a successful season in Logan, where Calhoun led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament before accepting the Cincinnati job this spring. While both players will need time to adjust to the rigors of the Big 12, they won't have to learn an entirely new coaching philosophy.

Perryman brings versatility to Cincinnati's frontcourt after establishing himself as one of Utah State's most reliable interior players. His ability to score around the basket, rebound and defend multiple positions gives the Bearcats another experienced option in a conference where depth in the frontcourt often determines success.

Elamin provides another athletic wing capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. While his offensive game continues to develop, his length, defensive effort and understanding of Calhoun's expectations should allow him to compete for meaningful minutes immediately.  Perhaps more importantly, both players bring leadership.

Whenever a new coaching staff takes over a program, one of its biggest challenges is teaching a new culture while simultaneously preparing for a season. Having players who already understand practice expectations, terminology and the day-to-day demands of the coaching staff can accelerate that process considerably.  That's exactly what Perryman and Elamin provide.

Neither player was brought to Cincinnati simply because of a previous relationship with the head coach. They were brought here because they fit what Calhoun wants this program to become—physical, disciplined and unselfish.

Whether either develops into an All-Big 12 performer remains to be seen.  But their greatest value may come long before the opening tip.  As Cincinnati's new roster learns what Jerrod Calhoun expects, Perryman and Elamin already know.  That makes them more than transfer additions.  It makes them extensions of the coaching staff on the floor.