NCAA denies UC player’s appeal
CINCINNATI — The NCAA has denied an appeal for a University of Cincinnati basketball transfer deemed ineligible to play this season.
Aziz Bandaogo’s appeal for immediate eligibility was denied Friday by the NCAA. Bandaogo played two seasons at Akron before spending last season at Utah Valley, where the 7-footer from Senegal averaged 11.5 points and 10.4 rebounds.
Jamille Reynolds, who transferred from UCF, also appealed for immediate eligibility after his waiver was denied in October. The NCAA has not ruled on his appeal yet.
Bandaogo released a statement on social media about the NCAA’s denial saying the decision not only affects him but his family and teammates, as well.
Bandaogo explains in the statement how he transferred to UC to be close to his American family after he faced mental health challenges at Utah Valley. He said he chose UC also because they showed an importance in 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.
“Without giving any reason, the NCAA is basically saying it knows better than I do what is necessary for my mental health recovery. That is wrong and very hurtful.”
Bandaogo called basketball his “joy and gift,” saying the NCAA has put another obstacle in his way and he works to better his mental health.
UC Athletic Director John Cunningham and basketball coach Wes Miller also issued a statement calling the decision “deeply disappointing.”
“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,” the duo said.