‘We see a development’: Cal’s Fardaws Aimaq and the art

• Myron Medcalf, ESPN

  • Staff WriterFeb 1, 2024, 09:24 AM ET Close Covers college basketball
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2011
  • Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

NOTHING ABOUT THIS season has actually been simple for Fardaws “Daws” Aimaq.The leader

of a California Golden Bears group that is restoring under first-year coach Mark Madsen has actually endured misfortune on the court in a hard season.For one, he’s playing for a team that has actually reached the NCAA competition simply as soon as (2016) in the previous 11 years. The Bears went into the week with a 8-12 record. They began the season losing 10 of their very first 14 games, with half of those losses including opponents with sub-100 rankings on KenPom, consisting of Pacific (345th). Despite this, the team continues to concentrate on the silver lining: Six of those losses completed with margins of three points or less, or ended in overtime. Presently, Cal, which is ranked second in the Pac-12 in turnover percentage, has actually won 4 of its past six games.Through the hard times, Aimaq and his teammates have stayed optimistic, strengthened by the obstacles the year has actually presented thus far.”What we’ve been doing, it’s going to work,”he informed ESPN about the Bears’ season.” There is going to be an advancement. What we have actually been saying every day is’chance,’and each game is a brand-new opportunity.” While that’s difficult for

any player to digest, the 6-foot-11 forward– who is presently sixth in the country in rebounding(10.7 rebounds per game )and third in double-doubles(12)– has likewise skilled another obstacle, as a Muslim male and the kid of an Afghan refugee. Aimaq, who was born in Vancouver, said he frequently receives praise from members of the Afghan and Muslim communities who support him. He likewise revealed that whenever he opens his messages on social networks, he often sees a great deal of hate, too. In some cases, it’s because of his efficiency on the court. In some cases, it’s a response from Texas Tech fans still outraged by his choice to transfer to Cal after last season. And often, he said, it’s since he’s Muslim.”It’s a domino effect,”he stated. “I do not truly go through a great deal of my messages unless it’s a day when I’m bored and simply looking through stuff. You have to try and do your part by remaining concentrated on whatever is in front of you, and that’s just playing basketball. “However when a fan crosses a line, it’s a challenge for any athlete to ignore.During a November

competition in San Juan Capistrano, California, Aimaq stated a male called

him a “terrorist”several times as he walked towards his group’s bus after speaking to member of the family in the stands following a 75-72 loss to UTEP. A viral, postgame video revealed Aimaq in the stands as he confronted the individual. “You want to talk? You wish to talk? I’ll slap the s– out you,” he said.Editor’s Picks

2 Associated” You know, the very first time I heard it, I simply kept

walking, “Aimaq said

.”We ‘d simply lost, and there was a lot of aggravation. I was just considering the game, and I didn’t actually process it until I heard it a couple more times. It was a huge group and from there, it caused the occurrence that happened with the video being taken of that whole conflict. I don’t remember, word for word, what I stated. I just remember being frustrated. “Madsen condemned the exchange and assured internal discipline for Aimaq. But he also informed Aimaq,”I’m sorry you needed to experience that.” His teammates consoled him, too.”When I saw [the video]

, he and I right away spoke and he informed me right away what had happened,”Madsen stated.”Understanding the context, certainly, it helped me understand the scenario much better.”Madsen has known Aimaq for several years, beginning when he hired the forward to dip into Utah Valley after Aimaq’s single season at Mercer. He knew Aimaq as a kind young man who played with Madsen’s kids after games. So seeing Aimaq’s behavior on the video was a sign to the coach that something severe had taken place.”My main and my first message was that remarks like that need to never ever be made by a fan or anyone

to another human being ever,”Madsen informed ESPN.”But then as a coach, also simply coming from the NBA, I have actually seen players impacted in an extremely unfavorable method when things spiral out of control in the stands. So that was my main message to [Aimaq]’Hey, no matter what occurs, let’s avoid of the stands.’ ” Faramaz Aimaq left Afghanistan throughout the 1970s conflict and settled in Canada, where son Fardaws was born. He and the rest of the family continue to support Fardaws’ basketball dreams. Courtesy the Aimaq household

Aimaq’s father, Faramaz, told ESPN he was stunned when his son called and told him about the incident. Faramaz had actually gotten away Afghanistan as a teenager in the 1970s after his dad had passed away in the Afghan Civil War.

“I lost my daddy, lots of family. I was 17, 18 years of ages,” he stated. “It was truly difficult for me due to the fact that it’s war. It was a battle.”

He subsequently landed in Canada and developed a new life for himself. He stated his boy’s experience harmed him both because he fought so tough for his household’s future however also due to the fact that Fardaws has constantly been a positive and peaceful person.

“I told him, ‘Simply disregard them,'” Faramaz informed ESPN. “‘You go play hard.’ I offer him a lot of credit due to the fact that all the time [last season at Texas Tech], they used actually bad words about my son. This is unfair. [A fan called my son] a terrorist. I have to be sincere: On that day I was crying. It’s tough often, you know?”

Fardaws trusted the discipline he has actually established for many years to browse the situation. He is the very first player on the court before practice each day, and the last person to leave the flooring. His childhood martial arts training taught him the value of controlling his feelings, sticking to diligence and relying on patience.While he had every right to invest the remainder of the season angered by what happened in November, he has actually picked to move on and not permit that moment to define his season. “Clearly, I’ve forgiven the kid,” Aimaq said.Rise to the occasion #GoBears pic.twitter.com/EV6T5i2QTt!.?.!— Cal Basketball(@CalMBBall)January 28, 2024 Madsen, who invested nine years in the NBA, consisting of being coached by Phil Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers, said Aimaq has

grown as a leader, and it’s showing outcomes. Cal

‘s current wins include an 81-75 overtime win over Washington State in which Aimaq ended up with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 2 takes. “Among the things that makes him excellent is his enthusiasm for life,”Madsen stated.”He’s a fantastic human. He’s a multiple-time team captain. He has fantastic leadership, and he is such a

hard worker.”Aimaq’s college basketball profession has been a journey. He is playing for his 4th school. At all of his previous stops, he transferred after his head coaches had either taken another job (Madsen)

or been fired(former Texas Tech coach Mark Adams, previous Mercer coach Bob Hoffman). Today, he believes he can end his college career on a high note and pursue his imagine making history as the first player of Afghan descent to play in the NBA. He’s not currently noted on any credible NBA mock drafts, so his chances are slim. However he has actually never ever backed down from a challenge.Top stories of the week from Get unique access to thousands of premium posts a year from top authors. – Lowe’s All-Star picks: LeBron a reserve

“- Barnwell: Will Bears trade the leading pick?”- Senior Bowl: Standouts, risers and buzz”More ESPN+material”On Friday, after the team’s 73-71 win over Stanford,

Madsen indicated Aimaq(13 points, 12 rebounds)in the locker room and praised him for his effort.” When we couldn’t get a pail, we went to you, big fella, and you produced each time,”Madsen said.Aimaq’s teammates all clapped and cheered.” When it’s all said and done,

if you have actually done everything possible in your power and it does not exercise, then that’s one thing, “Aimaq stated.” You know, for us, the reason that we’ve been so positive is that we see an advancement coming.”From Vancouver, Canada, on the other hand, his daddy appreciates his child’s resilience as he withstood the trials this season has presented and continues to grow.”I take pride in him,”Faramaz said.”He’s my hero.”