The NCAA came to their senses regarding Cincinnati transfer big man Aziz Bandaogo, granting the former Utah Valley star immediate eligibility after receiving new information.
This is the second high profile college basketball star who had their waiver approved on appeal, following Jaylon Tyson who transferred from Texas Tech to Cal after his head coach, Mark Adams, was fired for his treatment of players, including Tyson.
“I’m thrilled for Aziz Bandaogo and can’t wait to have him play for us here at the University of Cincinnati this season,” Bearcats coach Wes Miller said. “This process has been incredibly tough on Aziz and our whole team and I’m glad he can now focus on being the best student-athlete he can be for the Bearcats. We appreciate the NCAA for reconsidering his case, and ultimately coming to this decision.”
Bandaogo began his college career at Akron, averaging 2.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 40 games across two seasons before transferring to Utah Valley, where he exploded. Bandaogo averaged 11.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks while playing for the Wolverines, winning WAC Defensive Player of the Year.
He hit the portal after his coach, Mark Madsen, took a new job at Cal and ended up joining Miller at Cincinnati in their first season in the Big 12.
The Bearcats are 4-0 on the year but rank 283rd in the country in blocked shots per game, and adding Bandaogo’s size, rim protection, and touch around the rim will make this team even more dangerous as they get into conference play.