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

Greg Gard on How Wisconsin is Gearing Up for the Exhibition Game

Oct 10, 2023; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard speaks to the media during the Big Ten basketball media days at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / © Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers basketball Head Coach Greg Gard spoke to reporters ahead of Wednesday's exhibition game against UW-Stevens Point.

Evaluating Team Chemistry

According to Head Coach Greg Gard, the upcoming exhibition game holds a dual significance, "I think any time you get to this time of year, guys are a little anxious to play someone in a different color jersey other than red or white or what we've done in practice. So it's another chance for us to get out and see another opponent. And obviously, with being at the Garding Against Cancer game, there's an extra layer of meaning to it, too".

The game not only serves as a preseason test for the Wisconsin basketball team but also as a spotlight event for basketball in the state. In addition to playing against a new opponent, Gard mentioned that the team has an opportunity to evaluate various combinations of players on the floor. He told the media, "Versus what we had ... 15 years ago or so with different kind of thrown-together teams with exhibition games. So, it's good for the state. I think it puts basketball in a spotlight. Various levels for that night and we're looking forward just to see how we respond and how we play together and still learning and figuring out combinations on the floor."

When asked about what he's most looking forward to assessing, Gard stated, "I'm still trying to learn rotations, ... I've got a lot of guys that are fighting for minutes, which is a good thing. So it's for us it's a chance to again evaluate and see how they perform".

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The Athleticism Factor

This season, the team promises better athleticism, a credit Gard attributes to increased depth and size. "I think overall depth, size, and the experience factor too. I think guys are better. Everybody that has returned is better than what they were a year ago," Gard noted. 

Reporters also touched upon the team's athleticism, which Gard attributes to the depth on the roster. "I think the depth helps us with that. I think it helps us from a fatigue minimalization standpoint. I'll be able to play more guys. I want to play more guys," Gard said. This depth, along with the addition of new talent, adds another layer to Wisconsin’s competitiveness this season.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming exhibition game offers Head Coach Greg Gard and his team a chance to evaluate their chemistry, athleticism, and game readiness. It's also an occasion for the team and its supporters to come together for a cause that transcends the basketball court.

Watch the entire media conference below:

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