NCAA Basketball: 8 teams that should target Utah Valley transfer Fardaws Aimaq

We’re now at the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, which means we’re close to crowning a champion for the season. But on the other hand, that also means that almost 250 NCAA Basketball programs are done and their offseasons have already started. And that also means that player decisions are coming when it comes to both the pro leagues and potentially transferring to another team.

Over 400 players have already entered the portal, with around a dozen notable names that could be a target for power conference programs. But the biggest name yet joined the portal this weekend in Fardaws Aimaq, who has produced some of the biggest stats in the past couple of seasons.

After transferring from Mercer after his freshman campaign and sitting out a year, Aimaq became one of the biggest breakout stars in the 2020-21 season, averaging 13.9 ppg and 15.0 rpg, which led the country that year at Utah Valley. That gave the big man the WAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year too.

This past season, the 6’11 and 245-pound big man showcased more of his offensive potential, averaging 18.9 ppg and 13.6 rpg on 49% shooting from the field. He also shot three-pointers for the first time and was fairly efficient in limited attempts, going 20/46 (44%) from deep. His numbers certainly were biggest against WAC opponents but he rose to the occasion against good teams in the non-conference as well, including going for 24 points, 22 rebounds, and five steals in a home upset win over BYU this season.

Now that he’s in the portal, look for any team that could use a center to be in the mix for Aimaq. It’s certainly early to see which teams would be the perfect fit until all roster moves are made but that won’t stop teams from trying to get his services. Here are eight that make sense to me at this time.