SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Valley and current Texas Tech center Fardaws Aimaq plans to withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft and will play for the Red Raiders in 2022-23, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo.

The NBA writer reported the news on Wednesday, May 25.

“Source: Fardaws Aimaq is withdrawing from the 2022 draft and will play for Texas Tech next season,” Woo tweeted. “Aimaq led the nation in rebounding at Utah Valley in 2021 and was third nationally with 27 double-doubles this year. Should be among the best players in the Big 12.”

Before transferring to Texas Tech earlier in May, Aimaq played two seasons at UVU from 2020-22.

Source: Fardaws Aimaq is withdrawing from the 2022 draft and will play for Texas Tech next season. Aimaq led the nation in rebounding at Utah Valley in 2021 and was third nationally with 27 double-doubles this year. Should be among the best players in the Big 12.

— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) May 25, 2022

Last season, Texas Tech had a 27-10 record and reached the Sweet 16 before falling to No. 2 seed Duke.

About Fardaws Aimaq

After playing for the Mercer Bears as a freshman, Aimaq transferred to UVU prior to the 2020-21 season.

After his first season in Orem, Aimaq won the Western Athletic Conference’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The Vancouver native explored leaving for the NBA after his first season with the Wolverines. Aimaq decided to come back as a junior in 2021-22.

Last season, Aimaq helped Utah Valley to a 20-12 record. The center averaged 18.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals per contest.

Officially 🖋

Help us welcome @FardawsAimaq to the Red Raider family! pic.twitter.com/fh2zIri3We

— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) May 7, 2022

During his three seasons of college basketball, Aimaq has posted averages of 12.7 points per game on 49.3 percent shooting in 83 games played.

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