Moments ago CBS’s Jon Rothstein reported that Cincinnati Center Aziz Bandaogo will withdrawal from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Cincinnati for the 2024-2025 season.
Bandaogo elected to test the draft waters following an impressive 2023-2024 season averaging nearly seven points, seven rebounds, on 64% field goal shooting.
The 7-foot center went through the NBA draft process but has now elected to return to Cincinnati where he is poised to be an impactful player yet again for Wes Miller’s Bearcats.
Now with Bandaogo officially back in the fold the Cincinnati front court looks to be officially set between Bandaogo, Dillon Mitchell, Arrinten Page and Tyler McKinley. On paper, this is the most depth that Cincinnati has had in the front court through Wes Millers three year tenure at Cincinnati.
Bandaogo missed time at the start of the season due to the NCAA two-time waiver process before dealing with a back injury that limited him throughout the back half of non-conference play. Despite missing time, Bandaogo was still able to secure a spot as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selectee a season ago.
However, with the Bandaogo officially back on the fold alongside a talented rebounder in Mitchell, Page and McKinley, it is safe to say that Cincinnati can solidify their spot as one of the best rebounding teams in the country for the second consecutive season.
