Saturday, October 19, 2024

Wisconsin Basketball: Impressive PF transfer left the starting rotation conversation in ’24

The Wisconsin basketball staff has released clues about the Badgers’ starting lineup this season.

However, during the talks about who could start, one key transfer was mentioned Xavier Amos was not included. Amos transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers program in the offseason from Northern Illinois, where he played in 25 games last season. At this point, returning Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter would be the player who would start alongside center Steven Crowl.

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Wisconsin men’s basketball players Daniel Freitag (5) and Marcus Ilver defend Xavier Amos (13) during practice at Nicholas Johnson Pavillion in Madison, Wisconsin, Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The Wisconsin basketball staff has less than a month left to prepare the team before its opening game against Holy Cross. There is still plenty of time to make a difference and players have changed their position in the team. However, potentially putting Amos on the bench after previously being a starter could be an intriguing move.

While the transition from a starting role to the bench would be intriguing, it’s more of a testament to how great Winter has performed, as some Wisconsin basketball fans have noted.

Coach Gard is known for often playing with his sixth man, and last season the Badgers often featured John Blackwell off the bench. With a deep bench like Wisconsin’s, finding minutes can be challenging. However, Amos is an experienced player who has a lot to offer to the program, regardless of where he starts in the game.

Last season, Amos recorded 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field. The forward has also developed three-point shooting from the left and right side of the arc, achieving an efficiency of 38.5% last season. Amos also proved to be a versatile defender last season, intercepting numerous shots on goal and creating powerful blocks.

Wisconsin basketball forward Xavier Amos is primed to make an impact regardless of role

December 29, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defenseman Dasonte Bowen (5) passes a pass while Northern Illinois Huskies forward Xavier Amos (13) defends in the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory credit: Jeffrey Becker - USA TODAY Sports
December 29, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defenseman Dasonte Bowen (5) passes a pass while Northern Illinois Huskies forward Xavier Amos (13) defends in the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory credit: Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports

With a 6-foot-4 frame and approximately 225-pound forward, Amos should be a bigger and stronger version of himself this season. Coach Gard placed Amos in a different training regiment and stated that the forward had since gained “about 20 pounds” from training.

While he didn’t start right away, it seems like Coach Gard has massive plans for him this season considering his potential.

During the first open practices, Amos was considered the most successful transfer to enter the Wisconsin basketball program this offseason. Amos’ condition was also considered “much better than expected,” according to Wisconsin State staff. As harsh as this may sound, it’s not a knock on Amos’ skills, but rather a lack of a film showcasing his full potential.

Wisconsin Badgers Xavier Amos
November 6, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Stevie Mitchell (4) shoots a basket around Northern Illinois Huskies forward Xavier Amos (13) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory credit: Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports

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