Wisconsin Badgers 2023: Coach Gard Discusses Team Dynamics and Competition

New Season, New Challenges: Wisconsin Badgers Ready to Conquer 2023

Feb 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) celebrates a win over the Michigan Wolverines with teammates Markus Ilver (center) and Isaac Lindsey (right) during the second half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports / © Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

The Kohl Center is getting ready as the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to take the court for the 2023-24 basketball season. The excitement kicks off with their annual Red-White Scrimmage on October 15. But that's just the beginning. An exhibition match against U-W Stevens Point awaits on November 1, and the real test begins on November 6 as they square off against Arkansas State to start the regular season.

Gard's Take on the Season

At a media conference on Wednesday, Head Coach Greg Gard offered some insights as the new season approaches.

"They see what the competition level is in practice," Gard explained, emphasizing that no starting roles have been officially determined for the year. "Returning starter, that's last year. I haven't named any starters yet this year, so it's open season on minutes. So they go after it every day, and I have my list that I keep to myself of my observations and evaluations from each day, and there was movement in that list every day." His approach shows a fluid strategy, one where each day brings new opportunities and challenges. He continued, "Some guys drop, some guys move up, some guys that didn't appear a week ago now appear on the list."

Highlights of the 2023-24 Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Schedule

Culture and Camaraderie

While the competition is fierce on the court, the combative training sessions only strengthen the bonds between players. Post-practice, the locker room atmosphere shifts from opponents to friends.

"When you have that competition around you, you can't get complacent, and you can't half-step. You don't want to have a bad day or somebody's going to pass you. So that's… That's what we want it, and that's what we want every day, and they embrace it."

Gard comments on this balance, stating, "They go at each other, and then when the whistle blows and we're done with practice, you know, they're all, you saw the new locker room, they're all buddies in the locker room and buddies off the court. ...The culture is really good"

In Summary

The Wisconsin Badgers are set to start their season with the Red-White Scrimmage, followed by games against U-W Stevens Point and Arkansas State.

Coach Greg Gard emphasizes the intense competition within the team for starting spots.

Despite on-court rivalries, off-the-court camaraderie is a strong aspect of the Badgers' team culture.

Watch the full media conference below:

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