Cincinnati Bearcats center Aziz Bandaogo has been cleared by the NCAA and is officially eligible to play immediately after initially having his waiver denied.
Prior to announcing his transfer to Cincinnati during the offseason, Bandaogo began his career at Akron and then transferred to Utah Valley a season ago.
The Senegal product played at the NBA Academy in Africa before moving to the United States years ago and becoming one of the nation’s best shot blockers.
Wes Miller’s frontcourt should get a significant boost from Bandaogo’s inclusion as the Bearcats continue to compete in non-conference play going forward.
The NCAA officially cleared #Bearcats transfer center Aziz Bandaogo and he is eligible to play immediately!https://t.co/PKtLAbpM4C pic.twitter.com/Qk7Cbb77Jz
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) November 21, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: NCAA clears Bearcats transfer Aziz Bandaogo to play immediately
Bandaogo is a two-time transfer so he had to apply for a waiver to be eligible immediately and the NCAA denied it last month before changing the ruling.
Following his transfer, Bandaogo broke down his decision to join the Bearcats and expectations for this season in a social post during the offseason.
The Bearcats will continue to wait for the NCAA’s decision on fellow transfer center Jamille Reynolds, who is in the process of appealing his denied waiver.
Reynolds averaged 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds at Temple last year, and has been waiting for his waiver to be approved since he transferred to Cincinnati.
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: Wes Miller speaks on the approval of Aziz Bandaogo’s waiver
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.
Cincinnati is scheduled to return to action against the George Tech Yellow Jackets on Wednesday night with an opportunity to remain unbeaten this season!
Miller offered his thoughts on Bandaogo’s waiver approval and Reynolds’ situation on Monday night.
"“I’m thrilled for Aziz Bandaogo and can’t wait to have him play for us here at the University of Cincinnati. This process has been incredibly tough on Aziz and our whole team. I’m glad he can focus on being the best student-athlete he can for the Bearcats. We appreciate the NCAA for reconsidering his case and coming to this decision. Unfortunately, we still have another young man who is waiting to hear back on his waiver for eligibility. Our hope is the NCAA will do the right thing in Jamille Reynolds’ case.”"