NCAA Denies Waiver Appeal For Aziz Bandaogo

Cincinnati is left in limbo as they assess new options to try and get Bandaogo eligible.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Updated:
Nov 10, 2023 6:29 PM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati men's basketball got some bad news on Friday as the NCAA denied the transfer waiver appeal for Aziz Bandaogo.

UC is still awaiting word on Jamille Reynolds’s appeal.

Head coach Wes Miller has been adamant that both players meet all seven guidelines laid out by the NCAA to transfer twice, but Bandaogo was still denied on both tries.

The official second-time transfer waiver language is copied below.

“An undergraduate transfer waiver will only be considered for student-athletes who transfer for reasons related to the student-athlete’s physical or mental health and well-being; due to exigent circumstances outside the student-athlete’s control (e.g., physical or sexual assault or discrimination based on a protected class); or assertions involving diagnosed education impacting disabilities.”

Cincinnati could now turn to the legal route like North Carolina did this football season. Transfer wide receiver Tez Walker was held out of the opening portion of the season before getting reinstated to play once Walker’s side firmly threatened legal action.

The big man had two years of eligibility remaining when he transferred to Cincinnati.

In the meantime, Viktor Lakhin and Ody Oguama will have to keep holding down the fort as the main pieces inside.

Check out a statement on the decision from UC AD John Cunningham and Miller:

We are deeply disappointed in the NCAA’s denial of Aziz Bandaogo’s appeal for immediate eligibility, as the overwhelming evidence clearly meets the criteria established by the membership.

There has been no decision yet on the appeal for Jamille Reynolds’ waiver.

Like many of our peer administrators and coaches, we continue to be confused and disheartened by the seemingly arbitrary process.

Our two basketball student-athletes made decisions to attend the University of Cincinnati and followed all appropriate and proper guidelines. Both young men have clearly met the criteria for a waiver.

The NCAA claims to promote mental health as a top priority, but the denial of eligibility for student-athletes who suffer from mental health conditions only harms the very student-athletes the organization supposedly protects. We have witnessed firsthand the undue stress this process puts on the student-athlete and their teammates.

What’s even more heartbreaking is the recent announcement by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors that it would review existing rules and guidelines to improve the transfer process for 2024-25. If change is needed, why wait and continue to harm current student-athletes?

Aziz and Jamille deserve to play college basketball for the University of Cincinnati this season, and we will continue to fully support them.

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