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Cal Basketball Recruiting

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

April 7, 2023
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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 

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

24,634 Views | 54 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by calumnus
eastcoastcal
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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
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parentswerebears
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9:15a, 4/7/23
Wow! This is huge!
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sonofabear51
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9:15a, 4/7/23
Nice!! Welcome to Cal!!
Start Slowly and taper off
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bluesaxe
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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.
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Umunhum
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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?
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BearGreg
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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.
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concernedparent
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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.
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stu
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In reply to concernedparent • 9:54a, 4/7/23
Didn't Bill Walton have foot injuries? Hope Aimaq is treating it carefully.
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oskidunker
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10:13a, 4/7/23
1 year player? Played at Utah Valley before tech
Go Bears!
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LOUMFSG2
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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
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CALiforniALUM
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10:46a, 4/7/23
Who knew you can't post in Pashto on this site.
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Arcadiabear
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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!
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GoOskie
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11:18a, 4/7/23
Go Bears!!!
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KoreAmBear
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In reply to eastcoastcal • 11:23a, 4/7/23
Looks like a double-double machine.
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annarborbear
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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.
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dimitrig
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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/)

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dimitrig
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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





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oskidunker
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1:10p, 4/7/23
It would be interesting to know why he left Utah Valley for Tech
Go Bears!
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philbert
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1:16p, 4/7/23
He says some nice things about MM in this piece


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dimitrig
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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.




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Civil Bear
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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.
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calumnus
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2:53p, 4/7/23
Great get, great start!
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BigDaddy
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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
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Bobodeluxe
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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!
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stu
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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.
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BeachedBear
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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.
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Big C
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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!
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StillNoStanfurdium
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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.
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MinotStateBeav
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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
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Civil Bear
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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?
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MoragaBear
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6:03p, 4/7/23
Staff
Added some quotes from Aimac
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stu
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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.
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4thGenCal
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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.
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75bear
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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!
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dimitrig
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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.
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