Former Cincinnati Bearcats center Aziz Bandaogo is getting another opportunity to continue his professional basketball career.

The New Orleans Pelicans signed and subsequently waived Bandaogo on September 15–16, allowing the organization to secure his G League rights through an Exhibit 10 contract.

The move is expected to send Bandaogo to the Laketown Squadron, the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, for the upcoming season. As part of the arrangement, Bandaogo can earn a bonus of up to $91,000 if he spends at least 60 days with the Squadron.

At 7 feet tall, Bandaogo brings plenty of size and interior presence to the organization as he looks to establish himself in the professional ranks.

Bandaogo spent last season playing professionally in Turkey before earning an opportunity with the Toronto Raptors during the 2026 NBA Summer League. His latest opportunity with New Orleans gives the former Bearcat another chance to develop within an NBA organization and potentially work his way toward a larger opportunity.

During his time at Cincinnati, Bandaogo was known for his size, defensive presence and ability to protect the rim. Now, he’ll look to put those same strengths to work as he begins the next chapter of his professional career with the Pelicans’ G League organization.

For Bandaogo, the Exhibit 10 deal provides more than just a roster transaction. It gives the former Bearcat a path into an NBA organization’s developmental system and another opportunity to show what he can do at the professional level.

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