

Bo Bassett just got another reason to get excited for his NCAA run. The high school prodigy has created ripples even before being a collegiate athlete. Winning the 2021 Cadet Championship gold in the 45kg freestyle, Bassett established himself as a promising athlete. His level got elevated as he won the Ironman Championship along with the Super 32 championship in 2022. And although he is still doubtful about his NCAA home, the latest bit of news might help fasten the process.
The wrestling season is coming up and the New Year seems to have started on the right note. With athlete underpayment becoming more of an issue lately, several disciplines are addressing the matter with utmost care. Likewise, USA Wrestling has also taken quite a big leap towards the betterment of its overall structure.
USA Wrestling has announced its partnership with RUDIS, a renowned apparel brand, with effect from January 1, 2025. While the collaboration is expected to be a multi-year contract, the main focus will be to elevate the level of USA wrestling over the next four years. With initial trends emerging, the partnership is expected to provide the wrestlers with exclusive facilities. They would be having state-of-the-art opportunities at their discretion, all leading up to the grand celebration of sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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With the deal being confirmed, RUDIS will now officially supply clothing, footwear, accessories, custom team gear, uniforms, and other merchandise. Now, while the opportunities are endless, the initial announcement has sparked some interesting reactions from prominent wrestling icons. One such reaction came from none other than the emerging phenomenon, Bo Bassett. Taking to his X account, Bassett wrote on January 2, 2025, “Super excited for the @the_rudis and @USAWrestling partnership! Let’s go! Two of the best joining forces #Machine Gun Mindset.”
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Bo Bassett's decision will reshape the future of NCAA wrestling?
Absolutely, he's a game-changer
Possibly, but it depends on his performance
No, it's just hype
Unsure, need to see more
Is the criticism of Patrick Mahomes' performance this season justified?
Yes, he's not the same
No, he's still elite
It's just media hype
Not sure
What do you believe was the main reason behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 92-race losing streak?
Poor team chemistry
Ineffective crew chief
Pressure from teammates
Adapting to new car
Is Victoria Nguyen the next big name in American gymnastics?
Absolutely, she's got the talent
Maybe, but she needs more exposure
No, there are better prospects
Too early to tell
Do you agree with Vernon Maxwell's claim that the NBA is biased against the Rockets?
Yes, the penalties were unfair
No, the penalties were justified
Maxwell is just stirring the pot
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
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Super excited for the @the_rudis and @USAWrestling partnership! Let’s go! Two of the best joining forces #MachineGunMindset pic.twitter.com/K2xZZhBzos
— Bo Bassett WC (@BoBassett06) January 1, 2025
Thus, with so much buzz among the wrestlers, the RUDIS deal is being touted as one of the biggest steps forward for USA wrestling. As a matter of fact, RUDIS is already an established name in the industry. While catering to the player’s needs in the most premium way possible is their sole purpose, the details are yet to be shared. With more new initiatives expected to be launched, the exact route map of how the partnership would make USAW reach its zenith.
“We stand at the precipice of the golden age of our sport, maybe the most significant four-year cycle in wrestling’s history. RUDIS and USA Wrestling are aligned to take the greatest sport to new and incredible heights,” USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender stated while speaking about the deal. Thus, it is evident that when names like Bo Bassett and Rich Bender seem so excited, the outcome is likely to be a positive one.
Meanwhile, coming back to Bassett, the young phenom is not only excited about RUDIS alone. He cannot wait to experience the benefits of the collab firsthand and establish his reign of dominance in the NCAA. While he has not yet decided on his future, there are several attempts being made by the colleges to acquire him. And David Taylor stands right in front of that queue!
What’s your perspective on:
Will Bo Bassett's decision redefine NCAA wrestling, or is it just another hype train?
Have an interesting take?
David Taylor and Oklahoma State plan $17,000 heist to secure key opportunity to land Bo Bassett
Bo Bassett is way more than just a wrestling prodigy now! He’s a force that could reshape the landscape of NCAA wrestling. And David Taylor’s new move is suggesting the same yet again. As the 17-year-old gears up for his next chapter, fans and coaches alike are eagerly awaiting his decision. Bassett’s recruitment saga has been the talk of the town, and while his future is still uncertain, his excitement about the journey ahead is palpable. The question is no longer just where he will land, but how his choice will impact the world of collegiate wrestling.
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“I have been looking forward to this for a while. It’s fun traveling to compete, but this weekend will be even better competing alongside my brothers and teammates,” Bassett shared. His words hint at the camaraderie that he might be seeking as he steps into the next phase of his career. With over 40 teammates accompanying him to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the National Duals, the sense of unity and anticipation is undeniable.
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And now, as he navigates possibly through the final stages of his recruitment, it’s clear that the environment surrounding him will play a pivotal role in his decision-making process. Amid this scenario, the new head coach of Oklahoma is trying to make Bassett a part of his squad. For David Taylor, aiming to recruit Bassett, this could be the moment that elevates his team to new heights. By investing $17,000 in Bassett’s visit, Oklahoma State is sending a clear message: they are all in. But will it be enough to sway Bassett’s decision?
Despite every speculation, offer, and debate Bo Bassett has decided to remain tight-lipped about his future, his participation in the National Duals suggests that the race to secure his talents is far from over. Bassett’s choice may be the final piece of the puzzle. And as he would soon be approaching this monumental decision, one thing remains certain: the stakes have never been higher.
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Debate
Will Bo Bassett's decision redefine NCAA wrestling, or is it just another hype train?