CINCINNATI — University of Cincinnati basketball transfer Aziz Bandaogo will finally be able to suit up for the Bearcats this season after the NCAA granted the 7-footer immediate eligibility.
Bandaogo and fellow UC transfer Jamille Reynolds's waivers were rejected by the NCAA in October, prompting the school to file an appeal to get both cleared to play. Just over one week ago, the NCAA denied Bandaogo's appeal.
Coach Wes Miller spoke at length about the situation after UC's Nov. 10 win over Detroit Mercy, calling it "totally wrong and unfair."
"I’m not OK with using my guys as examples for the next people who are transferring," Miller said. "I’m not OK with sacrificing our kids. And I do believe that's what's happening."
Miller said the NCAA said Bandaogo "checked every box" for a transfer waiver, but they couldn't understand why he had to go to Cincinnati.
"Why Cincinnati? Where's he supposed to go? ... This is the place closest to his support system — he can't go to Senegal to play college basketball," Miller said.
"Change it now. It is ridiculous." - Wes Miller's message to @NCAA .
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) November 11, 2023
Our team at @WCPO asked #Cincinnati Head Coach Wes Miller about Aziz Bandaogo’s appeal for immediate eligibility being denied by the NCAA. Miller spoke passionately for 9 1/2 minutes straight.
"NCAA whoever… pic.twitter.com/YLfvXCGHl4
Bandaogo also released a statement following the denial, saying he transferred to UC to be close to his American family after he faced mental health challenges. He called basketball his "joy and gift," saying the NCAA put another obstacle in his way as he works to better his mental health.
"When I chose Cincinnati, I counted on the NCAA to follow its own rules about transferring to the best school for my mental health. The NCAA let me down," Bandaogo wrote.
My statement on the NCAA decision to deny my appeal. pic.twitter.com/T8jLvQkrOr
— 𝕒𝟝𝕚𝟝 𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕠𝕘𝕠 𖠌 (@abdoublvdo) November 10, 2023
The school petitioned the NCAA to reconsider Bandaogo's case, and now the former Utah Valley standout will be able to play this season.
"The day I have long dreamt of has finally come. I am grateful that the NCAA has reconsidered my case and granted my immediate eligibility. ... Ohio is my American home away from home. I cannot wait to make my Cincinnati debut and give this program everything I have," Bandaogo said in a statement.
Miller said on Tuesday he was "relieved and excited" for the team and Bandaogo that his eligibility issues were resolved.
"It's been hard on our team and our program, but it's really been hard on him first," Miller said.
The third-year head coach thanked the NCAA for "doing the right thing."
"I'm not one these people that's not gonna recognize that, I totally appreciate that," Miller said. "He belongs on the court, I'm glad we're finally getting there."
Still, Miller called the moment bittersweet because Reynolds' case remains up in the air.
"You still have a young man in that locker room, Jamille Reynolds, that he really does deserve to be out there too and have that same moment that Aziz has. Any every day that it doesn't happen, it's hurting him."
Miller said Reynolds' happiness for his teammate's eligibility made him emotional, noting UC will continue to try and get Reynolds on the floor.
