Head Coach Greg Gard after Wisconin's 71-49 victory: "Playing physical is a mindset"

Wisconsin's aggressive mindset and physical play shine in a 71-49 triumph over Western Illinois. Learn what the team thinks of their winning strategy.

Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) scores on Western Illinois center Drew Cisse (23) during the first half of their game Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin :: © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dominant Victory Against Western Illinois

The Wisconsin men's basketball team dominated Western Illinois last night in a 71-49 victory. A.J. Storr, Steven Crowl, and Chucky Hepburn led with Badgers with points, scoring 13 points each. Tyler Wahl was close behind scoring 12 points. The Wisconsin Badgers have been focusing on increasing their physicality and aggression on the court. This approach is paying off as they're now 5-2 for the season.

After the game, Head Coach Greg Gard and some team members spoke to the press in a post-game media conference, discussing the aggressive mindset that is helping them win games.

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Tyler Wahl's Key to Success

Tyler Wahl has been in excellent form, especially near the rim. When asked about what's been working for him, Tyler mentioned increased physicality and aggressiveness. "I've been really, really physical and aggressive. Attacking the rim, whether that's ... spreading the floor for my other teammates and making the right pass, not necessarily if I get the assist or not, but just being aggressive and making the right play for the team. It's been something that has been really working well for me," he said, underlining his approach to creating opportunities, not just for himself but also for his teammates.

Steven Crowl on the Importance of Aggressive Play

When Steven Crowl asked about why physicality is important, he agreed with Tyler, stating that the coaches have emphasized being aggressive. "Like Tyler said, coaches have been honest about being aggressive and finishing in the paint, and that's a goal for both of us, is to try to come out and be the most aggressive frontcourt in the Big Ten. Like I said earlier with the rebounding the coaches are always honest about it ... It's kind of ingrained into our head to kind of be aggressive."

Nov 27, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) dunks the bal during the second half against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports / © Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Greg Gard's Philosophy: Physicality as a Mindset

Head Coach Greg Gard stressed that physicality is more than just contact; it's a mindset. He believes that embracing this approach has given the team a mental edge and made them a better unit overall. He told reporters "It's a mindset. You know, it's not so much about the physical. The physical contact is a part of it, but playing physical is a mindset. And that's something that this group has gotten better at." 

Gard further explained, "Just having a physical presence ... really that gives you ... a mental advantage so to speak when you're the more physical team. So, it's really about mindset. That's really what we've talked about is how physically we have to play and when we do we're a much better team."

Final Thoughts

The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team's emphasis on physicality and mindset seems to be setting them up for success as they continue to navigate through the season. Next for the Badgers, they'll take on the #3 Marquette Golden Eagles at home at Kohl Center for their December 2 'White Out' game.

To see what else the team had to say, watch the full media conference below:

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