“After I broke the news to Aziz, I then made sure to pull Jamille Reynolds aside and tell him that Aziz’s waiver was cleared,” Miller wanted to let Reynolds know before telling the team in the locker room because he wanted Jamille to know there was efforts being put forward on his behalf as well regarding his waiver process. “The response from Reynolds was nothing but pure excitement for his teammate,’ Wes Miller said. “Those are the moments as coaches that fans don’t see and make you feel as if you have one of the coolest jobs. We have some great guys in that locker room.”
Safe to say the big man will be overcome by emotions and support when he walks out of the tunnel for the first time tomorrow night in front of a packed Fifth Third Arena. Especially after all of the support the fan base has given him throughout this process in recent weeks, safe to say the big man will be taking it all in ahead of tomorrow night’s contest vs Georgia Tech.
However, the Bearcats are still awaiting on the NCAA’s decision in regard to Jamille Reynolds waiver and according to Wes Miller’s postgame remarks on Sunday it sounds like this may be situation that takes a little bit more time. “Jamille Reynolds has still not heard back from the NCAA on his waiver. We submitted his waiver in August,” Wes Miller said. “We submitted his appeal the last week of October. We are 4 games into the season, and we haven’t heard anything. So, our compliance department calls the NCAA and said they don’t think they will be able to get to Reynolds waiver December.”
“I love the enthusiasm and excitement for Aziz. I want to thank our fans, the people who have gotten behind these young men and supported them throughout this process, that has meant a lot to Aziz and our program. Please continue to do that for Jamille, as well,” said Wes Miller. “Jamille Reynolds really deserves to be out there too and get the same moment that Aziz had. Every day that doesn’t happen it is hurting him. We are not done yet, it’s a step in the right direction and I want to thank the NCAA and I hope they do the right thing for Jamille as well.”
Bandaogo was allowed to practice with the team and such everyday while they waited for the NCAA’s decision Bandaogo has not played in any live competition vs opponents since the end of the 2022-2023 season. This is obviously a huge boost to the Bearcats front court as Ody Oguama and Viktor Lakhin have been carrying the bulk of the load for the Bearcats inside to start the 2023-2024 season. Bandaogo brings such high-quality rim presence and a key factor in the front court for the Bearcats on both ends of the court after averaging nearly 10 points and 12 rebounds per game last season for Utah Valley State.
“I think we do have to be cautious with Aziz though, he hasn’t played in a competition since last season,” said Wes Miller. Despite not seeing game action, Bandaogo has been practicing with the team since the news of the initial denial of his waiver. Bandaogo was a huge piece of the Bearcats puzzle this offseason along with CJ Fredrick, Jamille Reynolds, Day-Day Thomas, it seems as if Wes Miller and staff will take the conservative and cautious route for the 7-footer as they ramp up for Big 12 play.
However, adding Bandaogo to the Bearcats front court is a huge factor after Viktor Lakhin has had a great start to the 2023-2024 season including a career high 28 points and 12 rebound performance vs Eastern Washington. However, now you add Bandaogo to that front court and it allows Wes Miller and the Bearcats to spread the floor some, giving Lakhin that opportunity to step outside and shoot the three ball, a shot he’s worked tirelessly on this offseason.
Fans have to be patient with the big man as he quickly ramps up and flips gears now that he is able to dress and be available for the Bearcats “It is not like Aziz plays and we go out and win by 150 or something like that. I love the energy, but we know there will be some adjustment,” Miller stated.
“It’s his first time putting the Cincinnati jersey on, we haven’t had much time to prepare for it. It won’t be perfect, but we have to make sure we don’t put too much into one new player making his debut, even though we are very excited that this is finally over in his case.”
Wes Miller took a huge gamble this offseason in adding a guy like Bandaogo with all the transfer rules and what not. Now the Bearcat fans will get to quickly see why Miller and his staff took the chances on adding a guy like Bandaogo to this team. Bandaogo has played in some big-time games throughout his collegiate career including a huge win over the Bearcats in the NIT last season. For Bandaogo he did just find out roughly 24 hours ago that he was allowed to suit up and play for the first time on Wednesday night.
Bearcats fans have seen a glimpse of what Bandaogo is capable of doing after a video surfaced this offseason of Bandaogo soaring up near the top of the backboard. People will have to give Bandaogo the benefit of the doubt as this is his first live action after receiving the news less than 24 hours ago that he was now eligible for the Bearcats.
Not only is Bandaogo expected to play a huge role in the front court for the Bearcats, it gives the Bearcats the opportunity to do so much more on both ends of the court and really play to their true identity. It gives the Bearcats another option incase a guy like Ody Oguama or Viktor Lakhin get in early foul trouble like we saw Sunday vs NKU.
The big man is expected to be available for the Bearcats tomorrow, make his long overdue debut and Bearcats fans need to give him the proper ovation when that time comes tomorrow night as the Bearcats welcome Damon Stoudamire and Georgia Tech to Fifth Third at 7 pm.
