Cincinnati coach Wes Miller expressed his disappointment and concern over the NCAA’s handling of second-time transfer waivers during the Bearcats’ first appearance at Big 12 basketball media day. Miller announced that big men Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds were denied their waivers for immediate eligibility last week, and the university has until Friday to submit an appeal.
Miller emphasized that his problem with the initial denials was not related to the one-time transfer rule or restrictions on second-time transfers, but rather to how the NCAA has handled the waiver process. He believes that both Bandaogo and Reynolds meet the updated requirements for immediate eligibility, including mental health waivers.
Cincinnati added both players this offseason, with Reynolds transferring from UCF and Temple, and Bandaogo joining from Akron and Utah Valley. The addition of these players would provide a competitive advantage for Cincinnati as they move up to the Big 12 and return to power-conference basketball.
Miller expressed concern about how the denials would affect the mental health of the players who were led to believe they would be eligible based on NCAA guidelines. He emphasized the need to consider the well-being of these young athletes.
The debate over second-time transfer waivers has been ongoing, with high-profile cases in college football and now college basketball. Coaches have expressed skepticism about how the NCAA governs these waivers, particularly those based on mental health.
The NCAA’s policy states that waiver requests must meet criteria related to mental health, exigent circumstances outside the student’s control, or diagnosed education-impacting disabilities. Miller recognizes the need for some level of transfer restrictions but objects to the initial rulings on Reynolds and Bandaogo and what they imply about the NCAA’s self-imposed stipulations.
Miller is hopeful that the NCAA will approve Reynolds and Bandaogo on appeal, as they did with Tez Walker from North Carolina football. He believes that these players deserve to be able to play based on the guidelines set by the NCAA.
Cincinnati’s season opener against UIC is approaching, and the team may have to play without one or both of the big men if their waivers are not approved. This would present significant challenges for the team, which has growing expectations for the season.
Miller remains optimistic and is preparing as if Reynolds and Bandaogo will be cleared to play. He does not want to consider a world where they aren’t cleared because he believes they deserve it as young people.
In conclusion, Cincinnati coach Wes Miller has expressed his disappointment and concern over the NCAA’s handling of second-time transfer waivers. He believes that Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds meet the guidelines for immediate eligibility and should be able to play. Miller emphasizes the importance of considering the mental health of these athletes and hopes that the NCAA will approve their appeals. Cincinnati’s season opener is approaching, and the team may have to face challenges if the waivers are not approved. However, Miller remains optimistic and is preparing for a successful season.