Pac-12 Basketball

Officials at the SoCal Challenge basketball tournament are investigating the situation after a fan allegedly called Cal forward Fardaws Aimaq a "terrorist," per ESPN's Myron Medcalf.

The incident in question allegedly happened during Monday's game between the Golden Bears and UTEP.

Medcalf noted a video shows Aimaq approaching someone in the crowd at the tournament in San Juan Capistrano and pointing at him as he engages. Cal head coach Mark Madsen asked for tournament officials to investigate because derogatory language was used.

Aimaq is the son of Afghan refugees, who settled in Canada after fleeing the Soviet-Afghan War. The forward grew up in Canada.

"Fardaws and I had an important conversation today about how he needs to maintain his composure regardless of what takes place in a game or what is said to him directly," Madsen said in his statement.

"I am disturbed that Fardaws was allegedly on the receiving end of such language, and I'm disappointed that he confronted this fan in the stands. Fardaws understands my expectations for how he as a student-athlete conducts himself. The consequences related to this situation will be managed internally."

As for the game, UTEP won 75-72 despite 18 points, 11 rebounds and two steals from Aimaq.

Cal is now 2-4 on the season following the most recent loss to Tulane. Next up is a contest against San Diego State on Saturday.

This is Aimaq's first season with the Golden Bears after he transferred from Texas Tech.

California men's basketball head coach Mark Madsen said in a statement on Wednesday night that player Fardaws Aimaq was "allegedly subjected to abhorrent and offensive comments from a fan" and was called "a terrorist" during the team's 75-72 loss against UTEP.

Madsen added he asked for an investigation into the situation and that he was "disturbed Fardaws was allegedly on the receiving end of such language, and I'm disappointed that he confronted this fan in the stands."

pic.twitter.com/7TZAToTSzl

— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) November 23, 2023

Video showed Aimaq going into the stands to approach a fan following the game and saying, "You want to talk some s--t? I'll slap the f--k out of you, b---h," via Alex Simon of SF Gate.

This is Cal’s Fardaws Aimaq reacting to what his agent @DanielPoneman says was racist comments coming from the fan. Fardaws is Afghan by way of Vancouver. The fan (allegedly) called him a terrorist and told him to leave the country.
pic.twitter.com/Wk690Tkdnt

— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) November 23, 2023

Aimaq's agent, Daniel Poneman, called him a "gentle, kindhearted person" and noted that when the Cal big man left Texas Tech as a transfer, "his DMs filled with horrible, unimaginable things from fans, and he didn't react. This fan hurled racist insults all game, called him a terrorist and told him to leave the country. I would never encourage a player to confront a fan in the stands. But on a human level, this fan's behavior is far worse than the reaction."

He added that Aimaq "is the sweetest guy in the world, never heard of him throwing a punch or harming a fly. But now people are making him out to be a thug because he finally spoke up, after years of this kind of abuse. The reactions always go viral, but the cause never gets addressed."

The incident took place during Monday's SoCal Challenge tournament at the campus of Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. Aimaq had an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in the loss, though he also fouled out of the game.

Aimaq's family was originally from Afghanistan but both of his parents fled the country during the war with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. They settled in Vancouver, where Aimaq was born and raised.

He previously spent one season at Mercer, two seasons at Utah Valley—where he was the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2020-21 and was a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year under Madsen—and a season at Texas Tech before transferring to Cal this season and rejoining Madsen.

Bronny James appears to be inching closer to making his college basketball debut after suffering a cardiac arrest in July.

USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield told reporters Wednesday that James would go through warm-ups ahead of Thursday's matchup against Seton Hall.

"Other than that we have to be patient and wait for the OK," Enfield said. "It's a step-by-step process and we're just following that."

It'll mark the second straight game that James will participate in warm-ups after also doing so prior to Sunday's win over Brown.

James went into cardiac arrest during a USC workout in July and underwent surgery to repair what the James family said was a likely congenital heart defect.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told reporters on Nov. 6 that if his son passed a medical exam this month, he would return to practice with the intention of returning to the court this season.

"Today's game was the first game he got an opportunity to warm up with his team," LeBron LeBron James said. "So, he's almost there. ... He's almost there."

James, a freshman guard out of Sierra Canyon, committed to USC after receiving offers from the Ohio State Buckeyes and Memphis Tigers, teaming up with one of the top recruits in the country in Isaiah Collier. He was the 28th-ranked prospect in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports.

As a senior at Sierra Canyon, Bronny averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals. He participated in the McDonald's All-American game in March and notched 15 points, four assists and two steals.

James will be eligible for the NBA draft after this season and there is speculation that he will make the jump to play alongside his father immediately.

The Trojans enter Thursday's matchup with a 3-1 record. Their only loss came to UC Irvine last week.

Bronny James continues working toward his debut for USC after partaking in pregame warmups for the first time before Sunday's 81-70 win over Brown.

Bronny James out warming up pregame for USC hoops before tonight’s game against Brown. Kobe Johnson and Boogie Ellis, who both missed last game v. UCI, are also warming up. pic.twitter.com/i8s2IEuT4m

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) November 20, 2023

"Today's game was the first game he got an opportunity to warm up with his team," Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told reporters of his son. "So, he's almost there. ... He's almost there."

Bronny suffered cardiac arrest while working out on the court in July. He remains a member of the USC team, and LeBron said on Nov. 6 his son intends to suit up once he passed a physical.

Trojans head coach Andy Enfield remains unsure when the 19-year-old will be fully cleared, though.

"He went through warmups with the team," he said of James' pregame involvement. "He's a big part of our program and our team. He's a terrific teammate. We look forward to hopefully one day getting him back on the court but when that day is, that's not my decision. We're going to patient and go through the process."

James was the most closely followed star in the 2023 recruiting class thanks to a mix of his family name and his individual exploits on the court. He was the No. 22 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings, and he has garnered some NBA draft buzz.

The hype around USC was especially strong because Enfield also signed Isaiah Collier, the top-ranked prep player in the country.

The Trojans have gotten off to a 3-1 start with Sunday's win. The rest of their nonconference slate includes a Dec. 2 matchup with No. 11 Gonzaga, and they begin Pac-12 play with a Dec. 28 road game against Oregon.

No. 12 Arizona was given a 21.7% chance by ESPN to beat No. 2 Duke on the road Friday night.

Arizona guard Kylan Boswell wasn't phased by those odds.

The 18-year-old recorded 12 points, 8 rebounds, five assists and two steals to lead the Wildcats to a 78-73 upset of the Blue Devils.

Step back 🧈

📺 ESPN2@BamBam_Boz #BearDown pic.twitter.com/x4aejaqlwu

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) November 11, 2023

I’ll say it: Kylan Boswell has a chance to compete for All-American status. He’ll score more eventually, but with everything Boswell does to impact winning, there may not be 15 more valuable players.

— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) November 11, 2023

Ky Boswell has been absolutely fantastic tonight. Runs the team, picks his spots. Controls tempo. Tough as crap.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 11, 2023

Have a feeling Kylan Boswell will have a triple-double or two by season’s end.

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) November 11, 2023

Kylan Boswell is a dog. He’s been the best player on the floor tonight IMO.

— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) November 11, 2023

Kylan Boswell is incredible

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 11, 2023

Arizona is really good. Kylan Boswell might be their all around best player

— Peyton Burton (@KingzBurton) November 11, 2023

https://twitter.com/equitybruin/status/1723152445478756600

Kylan Boswell is an NBA player. Don’t know his ceiling, or his projection but the floor is an NBA player. Basketball instincts and poise are out of this world for an 18 year old.

— Flash Peckerwood (@ClydeTheGlide28) November 11, 2023

Kylan Boswell was SO good tonight. In line for a big breakout sophomore season for Arizona.

12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists tonight. Big time win for the Wildcats in Cameron.

— CBB Roundup (@CBBRoundup) November 11, 2023

Kylan Boswell wakes up ready. Gonna be an awesome college basketball player.

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) November 11, 2023

https://twitter.com/TylerMorales0/status/1723151969634640199

Boswell was one of five Arizona starters with a double-digit points total, joining forward Keshard Johnson (14 points), center Oumar Ballo (13 points), guard Pelle Larsson (12 points) and guard Caleb Love (11 points).

College basketball fans were impressed by the starters' contributions, especially from former UNC starter and Duke rival Love.

Arizona upsets Duke at Cameron 😳

Caleb Love made sure to wave to the crowd 👀 @brhoops pic.twitter.com/ticZB0A4tx

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2023

Tom House, Darin Green Jr, Caleb Love, Ty Johnson, Oumar Ballo, Keshad Johnson

You gentlemen played great basketball to start the year and are a great talent. #CBBWithKC

— Casey (@Caseyyy727) November 11, 2023

Pelle Larsson’s middle name is Clutch.

— David Blattman (@davidblattman) November 11, 2023

Convinced Duke beats Arizona if they didn't have Caleb Love 🫠

— sam zhang 🧑🏼‍🚀 (@samzhvng) November 11, 2023

Seeing Caleb Love not in baby blue and with UNC is weird but watching him beat Duke was GREAT!

— Time for Giants torture to begin! (@SFGiants2k13) November 11, 2023

My guy Caleb Love doing what he does best by beating Duke 🤝🏾

— Sad Saint’s Fan (@PBroussard15) November 11, 2023

It may be just the second game of Arizona's season, but the win had some fans expressing high hopes for the 2023-24 Wildcats' campaign.

I liked Arizona entering the season quite a bit, but this was a really impressive road showing. Pounded a Duke team that has plenty of size on the glass. Wasn't sure what Boswell would be this season but he was rock solid in a tough road atmosphere. Wildcats are very real.

— Julian Edlow (@julianedlow) November 11, 2023

What a win for Arizona.

Go into Cameron Indoor Stadium and give Duke their first home loss in over a year and a half.

Tommy Lloyd is a hell of a coach. Wildcats are legit again.

— Owen (@Alakazam_428) November 11, 2023

Arizona and Duke two legit final four teams.

— Bruce Tennen (@BruceTennen) November 11, 2023

The Wildcats are hoping to end this season with their NCAA Tournament run in as many seasons. For now, the team will focus on their next game Monday against Southern University.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave a positive update on his son, Bronny, as the younger James' USC Trojans started their season Monday.

The King said "everything is on the up and up" with his son's recovery from a cardiac arrest he suffered during a workout in July that left him hospitalized for three days. He also said things are trending toward Bronny eventually joining the Trojans this season if he is officially cleared.

LeBron gave an update on Bronny. Says everything is “on the up and up” and that they are hopeful he can play in game situations soon. pic.twitter.com/Byoqge3Z0z

— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) November 7, 2023

The latest update comes after the older James used similar language when he talked about Bronny's recovery during Lakers' media day last month.

"Bronny is doing extremely well," James told reporters at the time. "He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. The successful surgery that he had ... he's on the up and up. It's definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer, but the best thing we have is each other."

USC coach Andy Enfield expressed to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman in August that the main focus was on James being healthy even though there was still hope he would play in 2023-24.

The James family released a statement this summer that said a congenital heart defect was the likely cause of the cardiac arrest incident.

There was plenty of optimism surrounding the younger James when he arrived at USC considering he is the son of one of the game's all-time greats. He was also a 5-star prospect and the No. 22 overall player in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

His absence didn't stop the Trojans from being ranked No. 21 in the initial Associated Press Top 25 rankings to start the season.

USC began its campaign Monday with a matchup against Kansas State and also plays Seton Hall, Gonzaga and Auburn in nonconference play before its final season in the Pac-12 prior to a move to the Big Ten.

Christmas came about two months early for the USC men's and women's basketball programs.

Ahead of their respective season openers on Monday and Tuesday, the Trojans were gifted pairs of "Reverse Grinch" Kobe 6s by none other than Vanessa Bryant, the wife of the late, great NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

The unreleased kicks aren't even supposed to hit the market until Dec. 16 and are one of the most anticipated drops of the year, according to Sneaker News.

Vanessa Bryant gifts the Men’s and Women’s USC basketball team a pair of the “Reverse Grinch” Kobe 6’s 🐍 pic.twitter.com/0f7Q3LpFNP

— KicksFinder (@KicksFinder) November 6, 2023

There surely won't be many other teams or players rocking the "Reverse Grinches" at all this season, much less in their opener. The 21-ranked women's team can be seen wearing them in their opener against No. 7 Ohio State on Monday night.

Bryant's daughter Natalia is currently attending USC and is majoring in film.

Bryce James, the youngest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, is making his way around the country as he tries to find the right fit at the next level.

Per Keegan Pope of On3.com, James had an unofficial visit with USC on Thursday as part of the Trojans' Midnight Madness event.

This is the second unofficial visit James has taken this month. He attended Ohio State's 37-17 football victory over Maryland on Oct. 7 and posted a series of pictures of himself on Instagram wearing a Buckeyes basketball jersey.

James was also filmed talking to Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann on the sideline during the game.

Bryce James talking with men’s basketball head coach Chris Holtmann on the sideline. Savannah James is also in attendance. pic.twitter.com/0o4woahBJA

— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) October 7, 2023

USC does have a history with the James family. Bronny James, LeBron's oldest son, signed a letter of intent with the Trojans in May. His status for the 2023-24 season is up in the air as he continues to recover from a cardiac arrest suffered during a practice session on July 24.

LeBron told reporters during Lakers media day on Oct. 2 that Bronny's recovery is going well and he intends to play for USC at some point this season.

Per 247Sports, Bryce James has already received two official offers from Ohio State and Duquesne. He's a member of the 2025 recruiting class, so more offers will start to come as he gets closer to graduating high school.

The 16-year-old is a 3-star recruit and No. 21 shooting guard in the 2025 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He's listed at 6'4" and 180 pounds.

James currently attends Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California. He played last season at Sierra Canyon where he was on the same team as Bronny.

Before his son Bronny James begins his freshman season at USC, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is defending him against critics.

The 38-year-old took to social media to call out the "casuals" who question if Bronny shares his incredible athleticism:

Exactly!!! He’s definitely just as if not right there at his age. The casuals just like to argue about 💩 they literally don’t know about https://t.co/DO0AyW8b4k

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 10, 2023

A 5-star recruit in the 2023 class, Bronny James underwent surgery this offseason after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout in July, but he still intends to play for the Trojans during the 2023-24 season.

"Bronny is doing extremely well," LeBron said earlier this month. "He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. The successful surgery that he had ... he's on the up and up. It's definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer, but the best thing we have is each other."

To hear LeBron James tell it, his son, Bronny, will hopefully be on the court at some point this season for the USC men's basketball team.

"Bronny is doing extremely well," James told reporters Monday during Los Angeles Lakers' media day. "He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. The successful surgery that he had ... he's on the up and up. It's definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer, but the best thing we have is each other."

Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest during a workout in July and was hospitalized for three days. The family released a statement saying a congenital heart defect was the probable cause.

USC coach Andy Enfield told Jeff Goodman of Stadium earlier this summer the team is "hopeful that he will be on the court at some point this season" even though the "top concern is his health."

Bronny James has made multiple public appearances since suffering cardiac arrest, and his father's comments about his "successful surgery" indicate things are trending in the right direction.

The incoming freshman was a 5-star recruit, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and would be a significant boost to the Trojans if he is able to return to the court this season.

USC has found plenty of recent success under Enfield with three straight NCAA men's tournament appearances, including in 2021 when it reached the Elite Eight. The ceiling may be even higher this season, especially if James is a part of the rotation by March.