Xavier Amos's Journey: From Wisconsin to Loyola Chicago via the NCAA Transfer Portal
The Wisconsin Badgers' transfer portal activity has seen both additions and subtractions, with one notable departure being that of junior forward Xavier Amos. After a single season with the Badgers, Amos entered the transfer portal and subsequently committed to Loyola Chicago. This move marks the next chapter in Amos's collegiate career, following his time at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the University of Wisconsin.
Initial Expectations at Wisconsin
Amos's arrival at Wisconsin last offseason was met with considerable optimism. Many viewed him as a potentially impactful transfer portal acquisition, a stretch four capable of developing his game and contributing at a high-major level. The 6-foot-7 forward from Chicago, Illinois, possessed an appealing combination of size, shooting ability, and athletic potential, qualities that aren't always abundant on the Badgers' roster.
His sophomore season at Northern Illinois had showcased his potential, averaging 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, while shooting 50% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. This breakout performance attracted the attention of high-major coaching staffs, and Wisconsin successfully recruited him.
Role and Performance with the Badgers
However, Amos's role with the Badgers during the 2024-25 season was primarily as a rotational player. He appeared in 37 games, averaging 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 37.4% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range. He played double-digit minutes in only 16 games.
Despite the limited playing time, there were signs of progress and adaptation. Wisconsin's head coach, Greg Gard, noted that Amos was initially placed on the scout team to challenge him and encourage him to compete with more intensity and physicality.
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Late-Season Surge and Tournament Impact
Towards the end of the season, Amos began to show glimpses of his potential. He scored 12 points against Washington, contributed a well-rounded performance against UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament with eight points, three rebounds, and three blocks, and added 11 points in Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament first-round victory over Montana. During this period, he displayed increased confidence and appeared capable of taking on a more significant role in the Badgers' frontcourt for the 2025-26 season.
Transfer Portal Entry and Rationale
The trajectory of Amos's Wisconsin career took an unexpected turn when he entered the transfer portal. This decision was influenced by the Badgers' acquisition of Portland forward Austin Rapp, a stretch four, through the transfer portal. With Rapp's arrival, Amos's role was likely to be reduced, prompting him to seek an opportunity for a more prominent role elsewhere.
Loyola Chicago Commitment
Following his transfer portal entry, Xavier Amos quickly found a new home, committing to Loyola Chicago. This move provides him with a fresh start and the potential for increased playing time and a more significant role in a different program.
Wisconsin's Roster Implications
Amos's departure has implications for Wisconsin's roster construction. With the graduation of Steven Crowl and Carter Gilmore, Amos was expected to contribute to the team's frontcourt depth. While Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp remain, Amos's exit creates a need for additional frontcourt support, particularly a player with rebounding ability, shot-blocking skills, and the ability to space the floor.
Wisconsin has been active in the transfer portal, adding players like Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde and Nick Boyd. However, Amos's departure underscores the challenges of maintaining a stable roster in the current college basketball landscape.
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Wisconsin's Transfer Portal Activity
The Wisconsin Badgers have been actively utilizing the transfer portal to reshape their roster. While they have lost players like Amos, Chris Hodges, Daniel Freitag, Camren Hunter and Aidan Konop to the portal, they have also brought in new talent to fill those voids. The addition of players like Austin Rapp and Andrew Rohde demonstrates the program's commitment to staying competitive through the transfer portal.
A Two-Way Street
The transfer portal has become a significant factor in college basketball, allowing players to seek new opportunities and programs to address roster needs. Wisconsin's experience with Xavier Amos exemplifies the two-way nature of the portal, where teams can both acquire and lose players in a constantly evolving landscape.
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