Cincinnati Basketball: Aziz Bandaogo slated to return for 2025 campaign

Cincinnati Bearcats host San Francisco Dons in 2024 NIT at Fifth Third Arena
Cincinnati Bearcats host San Francisco Dons in 2024 NIT at Fifth Third Arena | Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

Cincinnati Bearcats center Aziz Bandaogo has announced his decision to return next season after initially declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft!

Bandaogo posted 6.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and should have a chance to start in the Bearcats frontcourt going forward.

The Cincinnati veteran center earned All-Big 12 honors after racking up a team-best 49 blocked shots during his first season with the program!

Wes Miller's team should find plenty of success in non-conference play and return to the NCAA Tournament after falling short in recent years.

Cincinnati Basketball: Aziz Bandaogo slated to return for 2025 campaign

Cincinnati is led by returners Simas Lukosius, Jizzle James and Dan Skillings Jr, along with transfers Connor Hickman and Dillon Mitchell.

James dropped a season-high 25 points in the first start of his career to help fuel the Bearcats to a blowout victory against Bradley in the NIT.

Mitchell was a dynamic 5-star prospect coming out of Montverde Academy and is now the 22nd highest rated transfer according to 247 Sports.

Skillings scored a team-best 12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game including posting 25 points during the Big 12 Tournament win over Kansas.

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