Wisconsin Badgers Basketball: Greg Gard’s Take on Upcoming Talent and Veterans

Head Coach Greg Gard's Insight into Wisconsin Badgers Basketball's Road Ahead

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard is shown during the second half of their game Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Purdue beat Wisconsin 63-61. Uwmen02 24 :: © Mark Hoffmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Monday, Wisconsin Badgers basketball Head Coach Greg Gard spoke to reporters in a media conference. Wisconsin will be playing against UW-Stevens Point in an exhibition game this Wednesday.  

Confidence: The Building Blocks for Success

When asked about players Carter Gilmore and Max Klesmit, Coach Greg Gard couldn't have been clearer about how much they've grown. According to Gard, Klesmit found his footing towards the end of last season and has been building on it ever since. "It was a self-affirmation that he belonged at this level," Gard remarked. 

In Gilmore's case, a strong summer in the weight room has been pivotal. "I think for Gilmore it's more of a strength and what he's done in the weight room the way he's added and again, the experience he's gotten. So, two are a little different paths to gaining the confidence that they have right now. Both have put in a lot of work."

Both players have had different paths to gaining their current confidence, but their effort is a common denominator.

Wisconsin Basketball Head Coach Greg Gard Discusses Team's Athleticism and Depth

The Depth Charge: New Additions that Make a Difference

Depth is key to any sports team's success, and Head Coach Greg Gard shared his views on some promising names in the Wisconsin Basketball roster. He mentioned Marcus Ilver’s consistency in camp, Nolan Winter's impressive size and skills, and John Blackwell’s upward trend. Gard hinted that Nolan Winter is someone to look out for, praising his skillset and hinting at a pivotal role in the team.

"He's impressed me since he got here in the summer and I knew he was going to be a good player," Gard said. "For somebody that size and how he moves and how skilled he is. ... He's got an edge to him that I like and he's got to get stronger and he will."

Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Tyler Wahl (5) dribbles past North Texas Mean Green guard Tylor Perry (5) during the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports / © Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Veterans in the Team: The Backbone of Wisconsin Basketball

Tyler Wahl's decision to return for another season is considered a big win for the team. Gard elaborated on Wahl's growth, citing his newfound health, confidence, and maturity. "What I've watched this fall so far is healthy, confident, uber aggressive, ... and I think more mature," said Gard. "Not that he was immature in a bad way, just the game has slowed down for him."

The Road Ahead: Coach Greg Gard's Future Plans for the Team

Gard emphasized the competitiveness of the young group, praising John Blackwell for his defensive contributions. "The battles he has with AJ and Tyler, ... on the wing position are fun to watch and I think he's not taking a back seat. He's definitely been aggressive on both ends of the floor. So now it's a matter of becoming, making these habits and instincts more concrete with him on the defensive end."

Final Thoughts

Head Coach Greg Gard has his hands full but seems confident in his roster's ability to compete at a high level this season. Time will tell if the blend of young talent and veteran know-how can propel Wisconsin Basketball to new heights.

Watch the entire media conference below:

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