Oklahoma State Cowboys
The roster for the Cowboys has undergone complete changes, particularly in the frontcourt. Moussa Cisse, Tyreek Smith, and Kalib Boone entered the transfer portal this offseason. The loss of Cisse hurts the most because he’s a former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and starting center.
Oklahoma State has a few solid incoming freshmen, including four-star big man, Brandon Garrison. However, they have little proven depth in the frontcourt at the moment in a Big 12 Conference that’s tougher than ever. Bandaogo would be an ideal replacement for Cisse and be part of a quality defensive unit.
San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs made a solid pickup so far this offseason in USC guard Reese Dixon-Waters but the frontcourt is the bigger issue for them going forward. Not only has Keshad Johnson entered the portal but Jaedon LeDee and starting center Nathan Mensah don’t have any more eligibility.
While guards Matt Bradley and Darrion Trammell got most of the credit, Mensah’s interior work played a big part in San Diego State making the national title game. There isn’t a proven replacement for him and Bandaogo would be perfect. Plus, the Mountain West isn’t much of a tougher challenge to the WAC compared to the power conference programs.