Cincinnati Bearcats transfer centers Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds recently appealed the NCAA’s decision to deny their eligibility waivers this month.
Following an impressive campaign that included the WAC Defensive Player of the Year, Bandaogo opted to join the Bearcats but hasn’t been cleared to play.
Reynolds averaged 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks during his junior campaign at Temple, leading the team in blocks, field goal shooting and rebounds.
Wes Miller’s team got a front row seat of the paint presence from Bandaogo as he led Utah Valley past Cincinnati to secure a berth in the NIT semifinals.
Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds appealed waivers that were initially denied by the NCAA. #Bearcatshttps://t.co/oFzOTHVtRB pic.twitter.com/Xbj5Kenhgn
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) October 19, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Updating the Bearcats transfer appeals for Aziz Bandaogo, Jamille Reynolds
As the regular season opener approaches, all eyes remain on the NCAA’s recent decision with a hope that Bandaogo and Reynolds can play this year.
Bearcats coaches and players, and most certainly fans, are sitting on the edge of their seats knowing the appeals will have a direct impact on this season.
Miller discussed the appeals at Big 12 media day this month: “I’m urging them to trust the process and want to believe the NCAA will do the right thing.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost wrote a letter to the NCAA, asking that both transfers will be allowed to play, claiming the decision is potentially illegal.
Look ahead to the #Bearcats upcoming schedule that includes a five-game home stand to start the season!https://t.co/dbKhXxtUDZ pic.twitter.com/ZiCLfDvdx2
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) October 28, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Looking ahead to the first month of the Bearcats upcoming schedule
- Date: Monday, November 6 at 9:00 PM
- Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
- Series History: Third ever meeting
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV
Cincinnati will host the Illinois-Chicago Flames on Monday, November 6 as Miller and the Bearcats open the season with a five-game home stand!
Illinois-Chicago finished with a 12-20 overall record last year and the Flames currently sit at 243rd in the KenPom rankings entering the upcoming campaign.
The Flames are led by senior guard Toby Okani, who averaged 11.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his junior season, and is a focal point of the lineup.