UVU big man Aziz Bandaogo and point guard Trey Woodbury have entered their names into the transfer portal. Both played massive roles in helping Utah Valley to a magical season and a run to the NIT semifinals last season. The loss is yet another blow to the mid-major team that is trying to rebuild after the departure of former Head Coach Mark Madsen.
Bandaogo had a record-breaking season for the Wolverines. The 7-foot center smashed the UVU single-season blocks record with 105 blocks on the season. The record was previously held by Emannuel Olojapoke at 81 blocks in a season. UVU had built a reputation for bringing in top talent in the low post under Madsen. With former UVU big men Olojapoke, Fardaws Aimaq, and Bandaogo all playing in the green and white.
Aziz Bandaogo enters the portal, it’s no surprise he has already heard from
Duke
Cincinnati
Kansas
Vanderbilt
Illinois
CalHe smashed the single season blocks record at UVU last season along with countless other accolades.
Yet another P5 talent from last seasons UVU squad. https://t.co/kkviDa7pcE
— Brice Larson (@LarsonSports) May 2, 2023
The news about Trey Woodbury came soon after leaks that Bandaogo was going to test the portal waters. The biggest difference between the two players’ situations is the amount of eligibility remaining. Woodbury is currently waiting on a medical waiver from the NCAA and according to sources close to the situation, the first attempt at receiving the waiver has been denied. Woodbury is expected to appeal but it is unlikely that the appeal will be won, effectively ending his career as a collegiate athlete.
According to sources, Trey Woodbury has entered the transfer portal but upon first appeal had his medical waiver denied. He is attempting to appeal it again, but it’s unlikely that he will get it approved to be eligible to play another season. https://t.co/8ZzFmIoONS
— Brice Larson (@LarsonSports) May 2, 2023
While recently named Head Coach Todd Phillips has hit a stretch of receiving bad news from his former players, it hasn’t all been bad. Phillips recently received commitments from former SUU guard Drake Allen and McCook combo guard Simon Akena. Utah Valley still has work to do on the recruiting trail though if it wants to return to the top of the WAC standings next season.
