What positions does Wisconsin basketball still have to address in the transfer portal?
What positions does Wisconsin basketball still have to address in the transfer portal?
The Wisconsin Badgers have done a phenomenal job utilizing the transfer portal to address positions of need so far this offseason.
Head coach Greg Gard and his staff understood that they'd be losing three starters, John Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Steven Crowl, and several bench contributors after the 2024-25 campaign. Needing to find portal additions to fill those players' respective absences, Gard and his staff have done exactly that, landing three high-quality transfers in guard Nick Boyd, guard/wing Andrew Rohde, and forward Austin Rapp. All three additions are expected to start next season.
While that initial portal haul is exciting, there is still work to be done. After the departure of forward Xavier Amos, the Badgers will need to add more transfer depth than they may have expected. Those additions are necessary at two or three more positions: one backup center, one reserve wing, and potentially another reserve guard.
The biggest need is a backup forward/center to play behind starters Rapp and Nolan Winter. Right now, rising sophomore Ricardo Greppi and freshman Will Garlock, neither of whom seem ready to jump into a large role, create the roster's only frontcourt depth
With Xavier Amos gone to the portal, it would also make sense for Wisconsin to try to add another experienced transfer wing/forward, specifically someone close to Amos' height, to bring some more size to the bench.
Another backup guard doesn't appear a top priority, considering the bench is already filled with depth at the position, including Jack Janicki, Zach Kinziger, Hayden Jones, and even Jack Robison. It's tough to say how many of those players will be in the rotation, but it still feels like the least important position of need.
Wisconsin has the potential to continue its success from this season into the 2025-26 campaign. That will start with how deep the team is. Building out the roster with reserve pieces is necessary for this staff as it looks to raise the team's team's ceiling next year.
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