The Wisconsin basketball team made a gigantic signing last offseason that immediately impressed the staff.
Xavier AmosA 6-foot-8 forward transferred from the Northern Illinois Huskies after entering the transfer portal. Amos played 25 games for the Huskies and had a solid all-around season in which he averaged 13.8 points, 1.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Amos had eight 20-point performances and five games with three or more blocks.
Last season, Amos shot 49.6% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range, which goes hand in hand with his defensive skills. The attacker wanted to commit to something that would “believe in me” because that kind of trust and faith is something Amos cares about a lot. Amos ultimately decided to join the Wisconsin basketball program and joined it as the program’s highest-rated transfer this offseason.
After his commitment, the Wisconsin basketball staff expected to receive a versatile player, but did not expect Amos to be as good as he has been.
#Badgers coach Greg Gard said they acquired a more complete player than expected in Xavier Amos in the transfer. pic.twitter.com/Yrs6FBxVJH
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) September 27, 2024
In the first open practice of the season, Amos looked explosive and was outstanding on both sides of the ball throughout practice. Trainer Greg Gard also added that Amos “…has gained at least 15 pounds…he hasn’t trained the way we train before.”
Gard noted that Amos’s increased strength led to greater on-court success in early training.
Wisconsin basketball staff is considering how to exploit Xavier Amos in the 2024-25 season
Considering Amos was a starter at Northern Illinois and found success while doing so, the forward appears to be a potential candidate for the starting lineup.
The Wisconsin basketball staff wants to exploit multiple bigs on the court moving forward. A season ago, Wisconsin lost games to physical centers and gigantic teams like Rutgers and Indiana. This season, however, Wisconsin looks to nullify other teams’ on-field success by using more of its own players.
#Badgers Notes: Last season, 6-foot-7 forward Steven Crowl and 6-11 forward Nolan Winter didn’t often pair on the court. After one open basketball practice where the two worked together in team drills, that could be an option this season https://t.co/fvdp4iNQkr
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 27, 2024
Center Steven Crowl and forward Nolan Winter practiced together on the field during scrimmages to create a gigantic defense. Amos could also become a swing player for Wisconsin, protecting mobile forwards on the perimeter and larger forwards or defenders in the paint.
Amos recorded 33 blocks last season and wasn’t solely a chasing artist, as the forward often defended the rim. By adding another 15 pounds to the frame, the already power forward will be an immovable object for anyone driving into the paint.
The Wisconsin basketball staff could certainly exploit Amos as another version of Gilmore to pair with Crowl. Amos can play on both sides of the ball, which would be a great complement to Crowl’s game.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerreraand follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date with all Wisconsin sports events, click here
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
