After being denied an NCAA waiver to play this year, Cincinnati Bearcats transfer duo Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds will appeal the recent decision.
Bandaogo became one of the most coveted players in the portal after scoring a career-best 11.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks a game at Utah Valley.
Reynolds started his career at Central Florida before transferring to Temple, where he posted 10.1 points on 60.4 percent shooting from the field last season.
Wes Miller explained that both players will appeal the initial decision and he remains hopeful they will be cleared to play this year per Cincinnati Athletics.
Aziz Bandaogo was one of the most sought-after players in the portal due to elite athleticism and size that helped him secure WAC Defensive Player of the Year. #Bearcatshttps://t.co/PKtLAbpM4C pic.twitter.com/SPEn5JlHdz
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) May 22, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats transfer duo Aziz Bandaogo, Jamille Reynolds denied waivers by NCAA
Even though Maryland reportedly secured a 74-70 win in the matchup, the Bearcats should be able to build on a strong showing against a quality team.
Following his transfer, Bandaogo broke down his decision to join the Bearcats and expectations for this season in a social post during the offseason.
Make sure to stay tuned for recruiting updates and schedule announcements as the Bearcats gear up for the initial Big 12 season to get underway soon.
With a chance to secure an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2019, Cincinnati is looking to improve on a 23-13 overall record from a year ago.
Wes Miller’s staff saw just how effective Aziz Bandaogo can be as the Utah Valley center compiled 15 points and four blocks during a win over the #Bearcats last season.https://t.co/uVMAFJrs5apic.twitter.com/qjGz6jC1Pr
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) May 22, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats head coach Wes Miller looks ahead to upcoming campaign
As the Bearcats continue to prepare for the regular season to start, the upcoming Big 12 Conference schedule was officially released in late September.
In a recent press conference at Big 12 media day, Miller reacted to the NCAA’s decision to deny the transfer waivers last week via Cincinnati Athletics.
"“They were denied last week. We submitted an appeal and now goes to an appeals committee. We’re very discouraged by the news last week. The issue at hand is we have two players that were given guidance when making decisions. They were given guidelines from the NCAA and felt they met those and made decisions based on that. We feel as strongly as you can express they meet the standards laid out by the NCAA. I expect them to be cleared because they meet the guidelines. I hope the appeals process will be cleared but I’m concerned how it will effect young people led to believe something based on the guidelines from a massive institution.”"