Story Poster
Cal Basketball Recruiting

Texas Tech 6'11 Center Portal transfer Aimaq Commits to Cal

April 7, 2023
29,568

The Bears picked up their first portal transfer commitment of the Mark Madsen era in 7' Texas Tech center Fardaws Aimaq today.

"Honestly, plain and simple, we’re building a final 4 roster right now. Madsen is one of the best humans I’ve ever met not including the great coach he is. "

Beyond getting in on a chance to build the program from the ground floor, Aimaq saw the opportunity to enrich his academic profile at Cal, as well.

"I'm also excited to get my masters from Cal as well before going pro," noted the transfer center.

Through three seasons and 83 games played heading into the season, Aimaq added 1,056 points (12.7 per game), 918 rebounds (11.1 per game) and 99 blocks (1.2) in his career. He returned from a foot injury in January this season 

?t=tD8IvIGb62X3PClwfTNzqw&s=19

Discussion from...

Texas Tech 6'11 Center Portal transfer Aimaq Commits to Cal

22,732 Views | 54 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by calumnus
eastcoastcal
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:14a, 4/7/23
I saw an interview with him where he said his goal was to become a lottery pick for the NBA! Great to have that kind of talent again here in Berkeley
Reply Quote
14
parentswerebears
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:15a, 4/7/23
Wow! This is huge!
Reply Quote
7
sonofabear51
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:15a, 4/7/23
Nice!! Welcome to Cal!!
Start Slowly and taper off
Reply Quote
5
bluesaxe
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to eastcoastcal • 9:24a, 4/7/23
eastcoastcal said:
I saw an interview with him where he said his goal was to become a lottery pick for the NBA! Great to have that kind of talent again here in Berkeley
The nice thing is, while a lot of players say things like that he has the potential to make it real.
Reply Quote
6
Umunhum
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:27a, 4/7/23
This looks like an impressive get, but does anyone know more about the nature of his past injury? Is he completely healed and ready to play?
Reply Quote
1
BearGreg
User Profile
Private Message
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:44a, 4/7/23
Staff
A huge shout out to the BI community, a small handful of whom stepped up with NIL commitments to make this happen.
Reply Quote Next Staff
concernedparent
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Umunhum • 9:45a, 4/7/23
Umunhum said:
This looks like an impressive get, but does anyone know more about the nature of his past injury? Is he completely healed and ready to play?
He played towards the second half of last season so he's good to go.
Reply Quote
1
stu
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to concernedparent • 9:54a, 4/7/23
Didn't Bill Walton have foot injuries? Hope Aimaq is treating it carefully.
Reply Quote
1
oskidunker
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:13a, 4/7/23
1 year player? Played at Utah Valley before tech
Go Bears!
Reply Quote
1 edit
LOUMFSG2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to oskidunker • 10:15a, 4/7/23
Yes, I believe 1 year left. He played at Mercer 1 year, UVU 2 years, and Texas Tech last year. This will be his fifth (Covid) year
Reply Quote
2
CALiforniALUM
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:46a, 4/7/23
Who knew you can't post in Pashto on this site.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
Arcadiabear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:12a, 4/7/23
AND just like that, the fans are paying attention again. Way to go Mark!

Basketball can have a 1 year turnaround (see Ivan Rabb, Jaylen brown years). Lets turn this ship around and turn it around quick!
Reply Quote
14
GoOskie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:18a, 4/7/23
Go Bears!!!
Reply Quote
3
KoreAmBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to eastcoastcal • 11:23a, 4/7/23
Looks like a double-double machine.
Reply Quote
8
annarborbear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:15p, 4/7/23
Added plus is that he already knows Madsen's playing system. No learning curve, and can help others.

Now maybe Bangaogo can finish up college credits and come in next year as a grad transfer.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
dimitrig
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Umunhum • 12:46p, 4/7/23
Umunhum said:
This looks like an impressive get, but does anyone know more about the nature of his past injury? Is he completely healed and ready to play?

One gripe about MFer (among many) was that he brought in guys with injury histories.

I am not saying this is a bad get because of where we are (I mean, 3 wins?!) but I hope this isn't the start of a trend.


On the injury when he entered the portal:

"Funny how they talk crazy when you wanna do what's best for you ... rushed back, wasn't supposed to play, played at 60%, and taking many different things just to get on the court to play. The injury I had holds out most guys 6-8 months to fully recover. Played for my brothers".

So it seems he felt like Texas Tech rushed him back too soon.

(Source: https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/news/fardwas-aimaq-texas-tech-red-raiders-head-coach-mark-adams-rushed-injury/)

Reply Quote
1
2 edits
dimitrig
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:49p, 4/7/23

FWIW, the others schools that he considered when he transferred to Texas Tech were Washington, Iowa, Gonzaga, and Texas.

I am not sure if those schools all made offers or not.

The criticism of his game is that he has no offensive game. He has also had strength and conditioning issues.

What seems indisputable is that he can rebound. He had an 18 rebound game versus Kansas.

His stats at Texas Tech:

GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
11 27.4 44.3 27.8 74.2 7.9 1.5 0.3 0.5 2.5 2.3 11.1





Reply Quote
1
2 edits
oskidunker
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:10p, 4/7/23
It would be interesting to know why he left Utah Valley for Tech
Go Bears!
Reply Quote
1 edit
philbert
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:16p, 4/7/23
He says some nice things about MM in this piece


Reply Quote
1
dimitrig
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to oskidunker • 1:29p, 4/7/23
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left autah Valley for Tech

Don't know, but probably to showcase himself against a higher level of competition.

He said he chose Texas Tech because of its strength and conditioning program as he recognizes that he still needs to get stronger and in better shape to make the NBA.




Reply Quote
2
Civil Bear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to dimitrig • 2:43p, 4/7/23
dimitrig said:

FWIW, the others schools that he considered when he transferred to Texas Tech were Washington, Iowa, Gonzaga, and Texas.

I am not sure if those schools all made offers or not.

The criticism of his game is that he has no offensive game. He has also had strength and conditioning issues.

What seems indisputable is that he can rebound. He had an 18 rebound game versus Kansas.

His stats at Texas Tech:

GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
11 27.4 44.3 27.8 74.2 7.9 1.5 0.3 0.5 2.5 2.3 11.1





? He averaged 19ppg his last full season and is a career 40% 3pt shooter (and 70%+ free-throws). His FG% is low for a post (just south of 50%), but from his highlight film, it looks like he must take a lot of outside shots. 11ppg in a P5 conference with limited minutes while not 100% isn't too shabby. Looks quite fluid in the block. There is a reason he is a projected 1st rounder.
Reply Quote
6
calumnus
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:53p, 4/7/23
Great get, great start!
Reply Quote
2
BigDaddy
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:53p, 4/7/23
The transfer portal really changes everything. Very good addition and personnel upgrade for CMM.
“My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best.” - Winston Churchill
Reply Quote
Bobodeluxe
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to philbert • 3:55p, 4/7/23
philbert said:
He says some nice things about MM in this piece


He's grown an inch since Jeff posted this!
Reply Quote
1
stu
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Bobodeluxe • 4:12p, 4/7/23
Players grow an inch or two as soon as they sign with Cal. Maybe pride makes them stand taller.
Reply Quote
4
BeachedBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to stu • 4:31p, 4/7/23
stu said:
Players grow an inch or two as soon as they sign with Cal. Maybe pride makes them stand taller.
Its a combination of the Calfornium and Berkeleyium, with a touch of Seaborgium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.
Reply Quote
3
Big C
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to BeachedBear • 4:47p, 4/7/23
BeachedBear said:
stu said:
Players grow an inch or two as soon as they sign with Cal. Maybe pride makes them stand taller.
Its a combination of the Calfornium and Berkeleyium, with a touch of Seaborgium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

I notice the Furd players don't seem to grow. We know why that is!
Reply Quote
2
StillNoStanfurdium
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to oskidunker • 5:16p, 4/7/23
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left Utah Valley for Tech
Don't think it's all that weird. Wanted to go to a higher profile program for the visibility or presumed access to better resources, development than Utah Valley.

Also not weird that after a season cut short by injury he preferred to reunite with his old coach who brought him success this time being at a program with more visibility than Utah Valley. Best of both worlds since it's a coach and scheme he knows well but this time (presumably) with the resources that a major program (relative to Utah Valley) should have. A school that has historically been able to get players into the NBA.
Reply Quote
2
MinotStateBeav
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Big C • 5:25p, 4/7/23
Big C said:
BeachedBear said:
stu said:
Players grow an inch or two as soon as they sign with Cal. Maybe pride makes them stand taller.
Its a combination of the Calfornium and Berkeleyium, with a touch of Seaborgium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

I notice the Furd players don't seem to grow. We know why that is!
They stopped using 'The Glove' TM
Reply Quote
3
Civil Bear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to StillNoStanfurdium • 5:47p, 4/7/23
StillNoStanfurdium said:
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left Utah Valley for Tech
Don't think it's all that weird. Wanted to go to a higher profile program for the visibility or presumed access to better resources, development than Utah Valley.

Also not weird that after a season cut short by injury he preferred to reunite with his old coach who brought him success this time being at a program with more visibility than Utah Valley. Best of both worlds since it's a coach and scheme he knows well but this time (presumably) with the resources that a major program (relative to Utah Valley) should have. A school that has historically been able to get players into the NBA.
Also, Wasn't TT one of the early players to go all-in on NIL?
Reply Quote
MoragaBear
User Profile
Private Message
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:03p, 4/7/23
Staff
Added some quotes from Aimac
Reply Quote
stu
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to BeachedBear • 7:08p, 4/7/23
BeachedBear said:
stu said:
Players grow an inch or two as soon as they sign with Cal. Maybe pride makes them stand taller.
Its a combination of the Calfornium and Berkeleyium, with a touch of Seaborgium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.
You left out helium.
Reply Quote
4thGenCal
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to dimitrig • 8:34p, 4/7/23
dimitrig said:
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left autah Valley for Tech

Don't know, but probably to showcase himself against a higher level of competition.

He said he chose Texas Tech because of its strength and conditioning program as he recognizes that he still needs to get stronger and in better shape to make the NBA.




He transferred to TT because of a $500K NIL offer.(UVU total raised for the team was in the $100k+- range at the time). Word is that when He was injured that promise of pay, was not completely honored. He maintained a very good relationship with Coach Madsen despite his transfer - which appeared to offer higher profile/exposure with a Power 5 conference and a very good pay package. Another good example of MM player relationships built of trust, development and style of play. Soon more good news to be announced.
Reply Quote
19
75bear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 4thGenCal • 9:16p, 4/7/23
4thGenCal said:
dimitrig said:
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left autah Valley for Tech

Don't know, but probably to showcase himself against a higher level of competition.

He said he chose Texas Tech because of its strength and conditioning program as he recognizes that he still needs to get stronger and in better shape to make the NBA.




He transferred to TT because of a $500K NIL offer.(UVU total raised for the team was in the $100k+- range at the time). Word is that when He was injured that promise of pay, was not completely honored. He maintained a very good relationship with Coach Madsen despite his transfer - which appeared to offer higher profile/exposure with a Power 5 conference and a very good pay package. Another good example of MM player relationships built of trust, development and style of play. Soon more good news to be announced.
Now you have me intrigued, 4thGenCal!
Reply Quote
2
dimitrig
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to 4thGenCal • 9:52p, 4/7/23
4thGenCal said:
dimitrig said:
oskidunker said:
It would be interesting to know why he left autah Valley for Tech

Don't know, but probably to showcase himself against a higher level of competition.

He said he chose Texas Tech because of its strength and conditioning program as he recognizes that he still needs to get stronger and in better shape to make the NBA.




He transferred to TT because of a $500K NIL offer.(UVU total raised for the team was in the $100k+- range at the time). Word is that when He was injured that promise of pay, was not completely honored. He maintained a very good relationship with Coach Madsen despite his transfer - which appeared to offer higher profile/exposure with a Power 5 conference and a very good pay package. Another good example of MM player relationships built of trust, development and style of play. Soon more good news to be announced.


So TT offered him $500K and when he was injured they backed out?

I am guessing Cal isn't offering him $500K.
Reply Quote
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.