Wisconsin basketball transfer forward commits to his next school
Wisconsin forward Xavier Amos shocked many when he entered the transfer portal just one week ago. The now-former Badger spent little time uncommitted, as he signed with Loyola Chicago on Sunday.
Amos transferred to Wisconsin from Northern Illinois before the 2024-25 season. He was expected to be a key contributor from the jump, behind standout starting forwards Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter. While that was not how it played out for much of the season, Amos still found a way to make a difference down the stretch. The veteran forward helped the Badgers to an NCAA Tournament first-round win over Montana, during which he tallied 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Overall, Amos averaged 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists on 37.4% from the field in his lone season in Madison.
Amos' level of play in the NCAA Tournament gave Wisconsin fans hope of a jump entering his second year with the program. The transfer cycle somewhat halted that outlook, as the rising senior became projected for a reserve role when the team landed a high-profile transfer commitment from Portland forward Austin Rapp. Amos then entered the portal, likely searching for a guaranteed starting role.
Due to his departure, head coach Greg Gard and his staff will need to return to the portal to bolster the team's frontcourt depth. Winter and Rapp are the two write-ins at the position. As of April 14, sophomore Riccardo Greppi and freshman Will Garlock are the only other forwards on the roster.
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