Having David Taylor as a mentor sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, that could become a reality for 2024 U20 US Open champ Bo Bassett. After making a splash at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, the talented teenager is now considering the country’s top wrestling programs before making his final decision. And it’s possible that he may soon team up with the 2020 Olympic gold medalist!

Earlier this year, the Magic Man had noted why the OSU wrestling program would be a great place for someone like Bo to enhance their skills on the mat. Taylor’s move to become the Cowboys’ new head coach had irked many people from his alma mater. But while the folks over at Penn State look at Taylor’s decision as a sort of betrayal to the NLWC, rising stars like Bassett view it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Bo Bassett enticed by Taylor’s ambitious plans

An article by Newsbreak from November 28 has shared details of how Bo’s college hunting spree is going, and how he’s slowly, but surely, zeroing in. The Clarion Open champ visited the OSU campus last weekend, and the recent article also notes how the trip has enthralled Bassett. In the article, the youngster also talked about how David Taylor could be his coach, especially thanks to the elaborate plans the Olympian has for the program.

“Coach Taylor’s vision for the program was exciting and he is definitely not there just to place or be top four,” said Bassett. But not just the head coach, the high school grad also recalled that every staff in the Cowboys locker room shares Taylor’s vision and is working together in cohesion to reach the goals successfully. Bassett further claimed that OSU’s Regional Training Center (RTC) is also focused on helping the program attain its fullest potential. “His staff is very hungry, excited and going all in. I also love the direction of where their RTC is going. Most colleges use the RTC to help with their college program. I feel their RTC and college programs are completely different,” said Bo, underscoring how both these have a lot to offer individually.

“It was amazing to learn about all the new additions and future plans for the program,” he admitted. With Taylor showing the way, Bassett can go on to become an NCAA powerhouse in the coming days. But Bo also understands that the strive to be better is a never-ending one, hence having someone like the ex-Penn State wrestler as his coach would also help him to train under a mentor who would be able to keep up.

The Magic Man would never stop pushing forward

Bassett had previously shared details about how he constantly watches clips of his matches to identify his mistakes as a method to improve his wrestling skills. “There’s stuff to learn from all of my matches,” he said, while also revealing that he follows a strict checklist to ensure his training regime is on the right track. It’s probably this kind of passion for the sport and the willingness to show the dedication that makes Bassett a perfect candidate for the Cowboys’ roster. And with Taylor never shy to push the boundaries, he would be more than willing to walk the mile for his star signee.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Taylor claimed being the best in business is what keeps him going. “I want to be the best, that’s the only mentality I know,” he said in a social media update in February. But will that fighting spirit also kick in to help Bassett reach the highest levels of the sport? Or will Bo ultimately set up camp elsewhere? What do you reckon? Tell us!