The Wisconsin basketball team picked up a big transfer this past offseason, who has impressed the staff early on.
Xavier Amos, a 6-foot-8-inch forward, transferred from the Northern Illinois Huskies after entering the transfer portal. Amos started 25 games for the Huskies and had a solid all-around season where 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.
Amos shot 49.6% from the field last season and a 38.5% three-point percentage to go along with his defensive prowess. The forward wanted to commit somewhere that ‘believed in me’ since that sort of trust and belief is something that Amos cares deeply about. Amos eventually chose to join the Wisconsin basketball program and joins as the highest-rated transfer into the program this offseason.
Upon his commitment, the Wisconsin basketball staff expected to receive an all-around player, but did not expect Amos to be quite as good as he has been thus far.
#Badgers coach Greg Gard said they got a more complete player than expected in transfer Xavier Amos. pic.twitter.com/Yrs6FBxVJH
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) September 27, 2024
In the first open practice of the season, Amos looked explosive and excelled on both sides of the ball throughout practice. Coach Greg Gard also added that Amos has ‘…added at least 15-pounds…he hasn’t trained the way we train before.’
Gard noted that the increased strength of Amos has led to more success on the court throughout the early practices.
Wisconsin Basketball Staff Figuring Out Ways to Utilize Xavier Amos During 2024-25 Season
With Amos being a starter for Northern Illinois and succeeding while doing so, and forward appears to be a lock for the starting lineup.
The Wisconsin basketball staff is looking to utilize multiple big men on the court together moving forward. A season ago, Wisconsin lost games to physical centers and big-oriented teams such as Rutgers and Indiana. This season, however, Wisconsin aims to shutdown the success of others teams in the paint with the use of more big men of their own.
#Badgers Notes: 7-foot forward Steven Crowl and 6-11 forward Nolan Winter weren’t often paired on the floor last season. After one open basketball practice, where the two worked together in team drills, it could be an option this season https://t.co/fvdp4iNQkr
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 27, 2024
Center Steven Crowl and forward Nolan Winter have been practicing on the court together during scrimmages to create a big defensive interior. Amos could also become a swing player for Wisconsin, guarding mobile forwards at the perimeter and guarding bigger forwards or guards in the paint.
Amos recorded 33 blocks last season and was not solely a chase down artist, as the forward often protected the rim. With another 15-pounds added to his frame, the already sturdy forward is going to be an immovable object against anyone driving into the paint.
The Wisconsin basketball staff certainly could use Amos as another version of Gilmore to pair with Crowl. Amos has the ability to play the perimeter on both sides of the ball, which would be a great compliment to the play of Crowl.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here
