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WAC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose

Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; New Mexico State Aggies guard Teddy Allen (0) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Tyrese Martin (4) in the first half during their first round game of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; New Mexico State Aggies guard Teddy Allen (0) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Tyrese Martin (4) in the first half during their first round game of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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WAC Basketball UAB Blazers guard Eric Gaines (4) battles for a rebound with Utah Valley Wolverines center Aziz Bandaogo Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
WAC Basketball UAB Blazers guard Eric Gaines (4) battles for a rebound with Utah Valley Wolverines center Aziz Bandaogo Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Aziz Bandaogo

A 7’0 center originally from Senegal, Bandaogo played basketball in Africa before finding his way to Akron, his first experience with American basketball. He played a pair of seasons for the Zips, but wasn’t much more than a bench piece, getting few opportunities in Akron’s frontcourt. Bandaogo transferred to Utah Valley in 2022 and spent this past season starring for the Wolverines.

In his lone season the WAC Bandaogo averaged 11.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, becoming a major weapon for the Wolverines. In a season full of double-doubles, Bandaogo led Utah Valley to a regular season title in the WAC and a trip to the semifinals of the NIT. In total, the Wolverines won 28 games, with Bandaogo ending the season with a 14-point, 16-rebound effort against UAB.

A truly special season saw Bandaogo named WAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-WAC. He was the conference’s top rebounder and shot blocker, with his 106 blocks the 3rd highest total in the nation. He was a significant part of Utah Valley’s success and a menace in the paint, especially on the defensive end. Following that breakout year, Bandaogo transferred again and will spend next season in the Big 12 with Cincinnati.