Earlier this morning Bearcats center Aziz Bandaogo took to social media to announce his intentions to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, while maintaining his college eligibility. However, it is worth noting that Bandaogo made it clear that he will plan to finish his collegiate career at Cincinnati, if the NBA doesn’t come calling.
Bandaogo, earned Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in his first season at Cincinnati. Bandaogo was a crucial player for the Bearcats averaging 6.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, while shooting nearly 65% from the field. However, it is worth noting that Bandaogo’s 1.7 blocks per game was good for second in the Big 12 and was Cincinnati’s most since Octavious Ellis back in 2014-2015.
Bandaogo missed the first four games of the season following the NCAA Transfer waiver appeals, after his eight-point, nine rebound performances in the Bearcats 89-54 victory Georgia Tech back on November 22nd. Bandaogo followed up with his first double-double of the season following his 12-point, 17 rebound performance in the Bearcats 85-53 victory over Bryant.
Bandaogo would then go on to miss time with a back injury suffered in the opening minutes of the Dayton game, that kept him sidelined for the remainder of non-conference play. Meanwhile, when Bandaogo was on the court, it was clear to see why he was one of the best rim protectors in all of college basketball.
However, with Bandaogo testing the draft waters, it is clear to see that the Bearcats will have some work to do this offseason in the front court after the departures of Viktor Lakhin and Jamille Reynolds. As of Friday, Bandaogo, Sage Tolentino and incoming freshman Tyler McKinley are the only power forwards on the roster heading into the 2024-25 season.
