Category: Wisconsin badger

 

 

Wisconsin freshman guard Daniel Freitag entered the transfer portal after one season with the Badgers.

Freitag, a former four-star recruit, saw limited playing time as a freshman and will look for a larger role elsewhere.

Freitag is the second Wisconsin player to enter the transfer portal since it opened on March 24.

Wisconsin will look to the transfer portal to fill out its roster for the 2025-26 season.

Wisconsin freshman guard and former top high school recruit Daniel Freitag entered the transfer portal on Monday.

 

Freitag is the second player to depart since the portal window opened on March 24, joining reserve guard Camren Hunter. The two, each in their first year with the program in 2024-25, combined for just 52 total minutes, five points, nine rebounds and four assists while converting just two of 19 shot attempts.

While both players entered the season, Freitag from high school and Hunter via transfer from Central Arkansas, with expectations to compete for a regular role in the rotation, walk-on freshman Jack Janicki emerged to capture the available bench minutes.

 

There wasn’t a guarantee that their place in the backcourt rotation would change entering 2025-26, even with veterans Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee gone to graduation.

 

Freitag’s transfer is the more notable of the two. The four-star prospect joined the Badgers last offseason as the No. 119 player in the class of 2024, No. 12 point guard and No. 3 recruit from the state of Minnesota. He did so with expectations of being Wisconsin’s point guard of the future after Chucky Hepburn’s transfer to Louisville. Now, the former top recruit will look to fulfill his top recruiting billing elsewhere.

 

The point guard took to X on Monday after the news of his transfer broke to share a message with the Wisconsin fanbase:

 

“My time at UW has been an enjoyable chapter in my life. The relationships I’ve built with my brothers here have meant everything to me, and I’m grateful for it all. Every challenge and obstacle will make me a better man, and I wouldn’t trade the adversity for anything. I never thought this day would come, but I’m aware God doesn’t make mistakes. Through it all, I will continue to trust His plan for my life and career.

 

To the Wisconsin fans, thank you for the support from the moment I arrived on campus. It has not gone unnoticed, and it has been amazing to experience. A special thank you to the guards who took me under their wing: Camren Hunter, John Blackwell, John Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Kamari McGee. There will always be a spot in my heat and in my mind for my amazing teammates.

 

After much thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal. I’m looking forward to the next step, but I will always be grateful for my time as a Badger.”

 

Freitag enters the portal with three years of eligibility remaining. Wisconsin originally landed his commitment over in-state Minnesota, Notre Dame, Baylor and Virginia. While two of those programs have new coaching staffs, those four may be worth watching as his transfer process begins.

 

Wisconsin, meanwhile, is ramping up its transfer recruiting process. For more on the program’s interests and top targets, one of which was recently on campus for a visit, bookmark our transfer target tracker.

 

 

 

Gabriela Jaquez’s heroics lead UCLA past LSU to first Final Four

Gabriela Jaquez delivered on a key sequence that helped No. 1 seed UCLA hold off third-seeded LSU and send the Bruins to their first-ever Final Four with a 72-65 decision on Sunday in the Spokane Region 1 final. UCLA (34-2) led throughout the second half and by as many 14 points, but LSU went on repeated runs that had the Tigers within striking distance down the stretch. An 8-0 Tigers run late in the fourth quarter made the score 56-53 with 3:24 remaining.

Lauren Betts, who faced suffocating double- and triple-teams throughout her 17-point, seven-rebound performance, split a pair of free throws to push the Bruins lead back to four. Then, after LSU failed to score on the ensuing possession, Jaquez got to the foul line to sink a pair of foul shots. On the other end, Kailyn Gilbert missed a shot and Jaquez snagged a deflection for the rebound. Jaquez then fed Betts in the low post from the wing, relocated to the corner, regained the ball from Betts and fired in a 3-pointer.

Jaquez’s shot extended the UCLA lead to an insurmountable nine-point margin and put an exclamation point on her team-high 18-point, eight-rebound performance. LSU (31-6) got a game-high 28 points from Flau’jae Johnson. Aneesah Morrow added 15 points, but the Bruins limited the nation’s leading rebounder to seven boards before Morrow fouled out.

Morrow also came out for a stretch in the third quarter after a collision with teammate Sa’Myah Smith gave Morrow a broken nose. For her part, Smith finished with 10 rebounds and helped limit UCLA’s Betts to 7-of-14 shooting from the floor. Betts did her part for the Bruins defensively with six blocked shots. UCLA also got three steals from Jaquez. The Bruins went just 21-of-55 on field-goal attempts. However, with 10-of-24 coming from 3-point range — led by Timea Gardiner’s 5-of-8 for 15 points off the bench — UCLA withstood LSU’s 25-of-67 shooting for the game.

 

NFL insider hints at the holdup between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

 

Five potential Tyreek Hill landing spots amid latest trade rumors

Tyreek Hill has ignited a fresh wave of speculation about his future with some social media activity, and potential trade suitors have likely taken note. Hill had a series of cryptic posts on X Sunday that led many to believe he could seek a trade. The first hint came when a user posed a question asking if Miami Dolphins fans would be open to trading the star wide receiver. Hill responded with a smiley face emoji. Hill then found another post where a salary cap expert suggested Hill is a candidate to be traded during the NFL Draft.

Hill reposted the prediction with a peace sign emoji. Hill had to have known how those responses would be interpreted. Remember, this is the same player who indicated he would leave the Dolphins after their season ended. While the two sides were said to have smoothed things over, no one would be shocked if Hill were to ask for a trade in the coming weeks. If Hill does want out of Miami, which teams might have interest in acquiring him? Here are five potential landing spots for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection:

Los Angeles Chargers Ladd McConkey had an outstanding rookie season last year with 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. The former Georgia star looks like a true No. 1 receiver, but the Chargers are not nearly as deep at the wide receiver position as they were in years past. L.A. reacquired Mike Williams in a trade with the New York Jets midway through last season, but the veteran had three or fewer catches in every game.

Justin Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and Hill’s speed could add an element to the Chargers’ offense that would be incredibly difficult to stop. Dallas Cowboys How long can Jerry Jones go without making a huge splash? The Cowboys need to sign Micah Parsons to an extension, but they could find a way to do that and add Hill. What better way to welcome new head coach Brian Schottenheimer than by gifting him with a wide receiver duo of Hill and CeeDee Lamb? Dak Prescott will turn 32 this summer.

The quarterback has been banged up in recent years, and his prime will not last forever. You know Jones’ eyes are going to light up if Hill wants a change of scenery. New England Patriots The Patriots just signed Stefon Diggs to a four-year, $69M deal, but the contract is a lot more team-friendly than it sounds. New England also still has nearly $70M in salary cap space, according to Spotrac.

It can easily afford to take on Hill’s $30M salary. If the Patriots want Drake Maye to make a second-year leap, they need to surround him with weapons. A duo of Diggs and Hill would turn New England’s wide receiver room from one of the worst in the league to one of the best in a single offseason. Baltimore Ravens The Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, but he is the latest in a long line of past-their-prime wideouts who have landed in Baltimore. At 31, Hill is still playing his best football. Hill and Zay Flowers could do some serious damage in the same offense.

The Ravens will always be run-first as long as Derrick Henry is healthy, but Hill is the type of player who could push them over the top. Kansas City Chiefs Hill has been open about the fact that he never wanted to leave Kansas City. He simply wanted a new contract, and the two sides could not reach an agreement. Hill has even left the door open for a return to the Chiefs. The Chiefs have solid receivers in Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, but the latter is working his way back from a major knee injury. Travis Kelce’s best days are also behind him. If Kansas City wants to keep its Super Bowl appearance streak alive, adding Hill would be one way to instantly boost its chances.

 

Watch: Five players, two coaches ejected after Pistons-Timberwolves brawl

 

Men’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight winners, losers: It pays to be No. 1

The Final Four for the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is set thanks to wins by Houston (69-50) over Tennessee, and Auburn (70-64) over Michigan State. Houston and Auburn now join Florida and Duke in this year’s Final Four in San Antonio where they will play for the national championship.

Here are some of the biggest winners and losers from Sunday’s Elite Eight action. Winner: No. 1 seeds For only the second time since the NCAA men’s tournament expanded to 64 teams, the Final Four will feature all four No. 1 seeds. Florida and Duke took care of their business on Saturday, while Auburn and Houston did the same on Sunday.

And there was very little doubt in either game on Sunday. Houston dominated Tennessee on its way to a 19-point win, while Auburn used a 17-0 first-half run against Michigan State to jump out to a huge first-half lead it would never give up. The 2008 tournament was the only other time all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four. Loser:

Tennessee’s first half The Volunteers picked the absolute worst time of the season for their offense to abandon them, scoring just 15 points in the first half of Sunday’s Elite Eight game against Houston. That 15-point performance was historically bad for a team seeded that high in the tournament. Even though they played Houston even in the second half (35-35), it is almost impossible to overcome a 15-point half against one of the best teams in the country.

Winner: The SEC Even though Alabama and Tennessee fell short in the quest to give the conference all four teams in the Final Four, Auburn and Florida still gave the conference two teams, and with them set to face each other in the semifinals, it guarantees that at least one SEC team will be playing for the national championship. That is fitting for the conference that has dominated the season.

Loser: The Big Ten The Big Ten got off to one of the best starts in the tournament through the first two rounds, but quickly saw its teams get knocked off as the tournament went on. So much so that not one team will be representing the conference in the Final Four. Tom Izzo’s Michigan State team was the conference’s last hope on Sunday, and it did not have enough to keep up with Auburn. Winner: KenPom ratings The KenPom ratings are not the end-all, be-all for evaluating college basketball teams, but they do give a pretty good indicator as to which teams are elite, which teams are contenders, and which teams are pretenders.

That rating system could not have been more accurate this season as it correctly nailed the top-four (and arguably top-five) teams in the country. It does not always work out that perfectly for the analytics. It did this season in a very big way. At least for one season, the numbers did not lie at all.

 

 

Badgers juniors Serah Williams and Ronnie Porter discuss their 91-61 loss to the Bruins in Wednesday’s regular season home finale.

 

It’s a true family affair with the Grzesk family and UW-Green Bay.

 

Gracie Grzesk will now add her own chapter with the Phoenix women’s basketball team after the University of Wisconsin freshman transfer committed to UW-Green Bay on March 23.

 

“It’s definitely special and kind of surreal getting to live on the family tradition and play in a Phoenix uniform. I’m really excited,” Grzesk said.

 

Gracie Grzesk’s father, Gary, was a four-year standout for the Phoenix from 1992-96, helping lead the Phoenix to three NCAA Tournament appearances, and later was an assistant coach during the 2001-02 season. Liz Hauger Grzesk, Gracie’s mother, also coached at UW-Green Bay, serving as an assistant under former Phoenix coach Kevin Borseth from 2002-04.

 

That familiarity with the Phoenix stems beyond Gracie Grzesk’s parents, though. Upon entering the transfer portal on March 13, Phoenix coach Kayla Karius (Tetschlag) was quick to reconnect with the former Green Bay Notre Dame standout.

 

It’s fitting, given Karius recruited Grzesk when she was part of the Badgers coaching staff from 2018-21 under former coach Jonathan Tsipis.

 

“Obviously a lot of the people that recruit you when you’re in the portal are familiar faces, and Kayla was super familiar to me,” Gracie Grzesk said. “I’ve talked to her for years, wherever she recruited me, so I obviously knew who she was right away and it just made everything so much easier.”

 

Grzesk, who averaged 4.4 minutes per game while scoring 10 total points in 16 games during her only season with the Badgers, didn’t state specifically why she chose to leave Wisconsin, stating her decision was “what was best for me and my situation.”

 

When she entered the transfer portal, numerous schools contacted her, both from the Power Four and mid-major level, as well as some Division II schools, with Drake and UW-Green Bay becoming the final candidates.

 

Gracie Grzesk1

Former Wisconsin guard Gracie Grzesk races after a loose ball against UW-Milwaukee’s Sophia Rampulla during a nonconference game on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Grzesk committed to UW-Green Bay on March 23. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

While Grzesk said she “really could have seen myself happy at either place,” the Phoenix won out for two reasons.

 

“Ultimately, Green Bay is home, and the level of sustained success that the program has had is hard to beat,” Grzesk said.

 

That winning culture continued under Karius, a 2011 Phoenix grad, in her first season this winter, finishing 29-6, including 19-1 in Horizon League play, and winning both the conference regular season and tournament titles. UW-Green Bay fell to Alabama 81-67 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the program’s 20th appearance all-time.

 

Grzesk will feel plenty comfortable on the court in the Phoenix’s read-and-react offense. It’s the same system Grzesk’s high school coach, Sara Rohde (Boyer), ran at Notre Dame, and the same one Rohde played in under Borseth from 2000-03.

 

The 5-foot-11 guard feels her versatility and size will play right into the system’s strengths.

 

“They post up their guards a lot, which is something that I’ve always done, and then just my IQ and their read-and-react offense, I think it just fits my style of play very well,” Grzesk said.

 

“Gracie is the prototype Phoenix women’s basketball player — great size, versatile skillset, strong IQ, and the ability to defend multiple positions,” Karius added of Grzesk in UW-Green Bay’s announcement of the latter’s signing.

 

Gracie Grzesk1

Wisconsin guard Gracie Grzesk said a chance to play for her father’s alma mater and the program’s success was “hard to beat” in her choosing to transfer to UW-Green Bay. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Grzesk will also mesh well with the returning players, having competed against some of the players and met everyone else. She’ll also have plenty of opportunity to put that on display, with the Phoenix set to lose seven seniors to graduation.

 

Grzesk said Karius likened her to outgoing guard/forward Maddy Schreiber, the Phoenix’s second-leading scorer last season who averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 25 games. Grzesk also understands that doesn’t guarantee her anything, and she’s eager to earn her place.

 

“I mean, no coach really promises playing time, so obviously there’s opportunity to play there, but at the same time, you have to work for it as well,” she said.

 

: Wisconsin women’s basketball hosts No. 2 UCLA in home finale

Halle Douglass

Wisconsin guard Halle Douglass attempts a 3-pointer during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Lily Krahn

Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn shoots over UCLA’s Elina Aarnisalo during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Natalie Leuzinger

Wisconsin guard Natalie Leuzinger looks for an open teammate during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Carter McCray

Wisconsin center Carter McCray drives against UCLA’s Lauren Betts during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Lauren Betts

UCLA’s Lauren Betts, right, high-fives Angela Dugalic after making a basket through contact during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Tess Myers

Wisconsin guard Tess Myers follows through on a 3-point attempt during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Ronnie Porter

Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter fires a pass up court during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Serah Williams

Wisconsin forward Serah Williams was named to the All-Big Ten first team and the all-conference defensive team on Tuesday. SEAN DAVIS, LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Alie Bisballe

Wisconsin forward Alie Bisballe looks for an open teammate during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Angela Dugalic

UCLA’s Angela Dugalic looks for an open teammate while being guarded by Wisconsin’s Carter McCray during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley

Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley directs her team during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Halle Douglass

Wisconsin guard Halle Douglass tries to drive by UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Lily Krahn

Wisconsin guard Lily Krahn drives against UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Natalie Leuzinger

Wisconsin guard Natalie Leuzinger drives to the basket against UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

UCLA’s Timea Gardiner

UCLA’s Timea Gardiner tries to back down Wisconsin’s Halle Douglass during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Carter McCray

Wisconsin center Carter McCray shoots over UCLA’s Timea Gardiner during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Tess Myers

Wisconsin guard Tess Myers drives into the lane during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Ronnie Porter

Wisconsin guard Ronnie Porter drives around UCLA’s Londynn Jones during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

Serah Williams

Wisconsin forward Serah Williams shoots over UCLA’s Lauren Betts during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

 

UCLA’s Kiki Rice looks to drive by Wisconsin’s Natalie Leuzinger during a Big Ten Conference game on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Kohl Center in Madison. SEAN DAVIS LEE SPORTS WISCONSIN

 

 

 

Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) smiles while guarding Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in a semifinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Michigan State Spartans, 77-74.

John Tonje already poured his heart out for the Wisconsin Badgers but he is not yet done helping the team as he is willing to stretch himself out to make sure they will remain competitive.

 

John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers, Carter Gilmore

Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrate after a play during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The 23-year-old guard played his last game for the Badgers in second round loss to the BYU Cougars in March Madness.

 

He scored 37 points in that game, recording the most scored by a Badger in an NCAA tournament game. His 52 points in the two games they played in the tourney were also the most by any player through the first three days.

 

That’s the grandest way to end your college career but Tonje is not yet done.

 

He is willing to go out of his way and help the team in its recruitment believing UW-Madison can help players shine in a competitive conference, just like what happened to him.

 

Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) listens to head coach Greg Gard during the second half of their game Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Oregon beat Wisconsin 77-73 in overtime.

Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) listens to head coach Greg Gard during the second half of their game Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Oregon beat Wisconsin 77-73 in overtime.

“I would absolutely recommend Wisconsin basketball to a player that’s looking to go somewhere to kind of thrive and get better honestly,” he said in an interview with Badger Extra.

 

“That’s essentially why I picked here. Obviously, it’s a step up (in competition), and I get to play at the Power 5 level, which I had been looking for, and then also just a great coaching staff, great team and culture and city.”

 

John Tonje’s farewell message to Wisconsin Badgers

Tonje has been very consistent with his love for the Badgers.

 

“The family, experiences, lessons, and memories I have developed here in Madison are ones I will never forget and run way deeper than just basketball. I’m forever in debt to my teammates, coaches, and supporters, who made this year so special!! Love yall!! #9 out,” he said in his farewell message.

 

Right now, he is busier preparing for the next step in his career. He is expected to enter the NBA draft and his last few games have been helpful in raising his stock.

 

Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates a made basket

Mar 13, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

ESPN predicts him to get picked at 52nd, although one of the main reasons of low regard is his age. His scoring ability is still highlighted.

 

“Tonje’s strength, perimeter shooting and ability to get into the paint and to the line give him role player potential, considering the constant need for 3-point shooting role players.”

 

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The NCAA basketball transfer portal has been extremely active, but in typical Greg Gard fashion, he goes after specific players and limited players. He isn’t just spraying offers all over the portal; he wants very specific fits with very specific personality types. Yesterday, a new name appeared in the portal that may fit what Greg Gard is looking for.

 

Lipscomb’s Jacob Ognacevic has entered the portal and is a name to watch for Wisconsin

Jacob Ognacevic is from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and has spent the last three years at Lipscomb turning into quite the impressive player. Each season of his career, he has grown in his ability to score points and get rebounds. In his first season at Valparaiso, he averaged 6.3 points and 2 rebounds a game. In his next three years, he increased each year in both categories to finish this last season with 20 points and 8 rebounds a game.

 

That’s right, he was averaging 20 points a game in the ASUN. If you think it’s maybe because he was playing in the ASUN, think again. He scored 17 against Iowa State, 16 against Arkansas, and 17 against Kentucky. He can consistently score even against top-ranked teams.

 

He was a 6’8 “forward for Lipscomb, so the question for Gard’s new style of offense is whether he can shoot the three. The answer is also yes; he shoots it at a 40% rate and is also nearly an 80% free-throw shooter. He seems to be a perfect fit for Gard as he checks all the boxes for what could fit the Badgers: Wisconsin native, veteran player, bucket getter, three-point shooting big, and knocks down free throws.

 

He’s definitely a name that fans should keep an eye on. Gard needs to replace a handful of seniors, and a couple of them are his primary bigs: Steven Crowl and Carter Gilmore. Ognacevic may be the guy that Gard is looking for.

 

•

 

The former prized 4-star recruit of the 2023 recruiting class for the Wisconsin Badgers is back in the transfer portal seeking his third school in three years. Gus Yalden started his career at Wisconsin, moved to Seton Hall after redshirting his freshman year for the Badgers, and is now looking for a new opportunity outside of the Pirates.

 

Seton Hall’s Gus Yalden has entered the transfer portal, looking for his third school in three years

Gus Yalden came to Wisconsin in 2023 as the prized recruit of the class, but after having some off-the-court incidents at the University of Wisconsin and then needing a leave of absence for personal reasons, he ended up never playing for the Badgers. He used his freshman year as a redshirt and the first year of eligibility at Seton Hall.

 

The other recruits in that 2023 recruiting class were Nolan Winter and John Blackwell. It’s funny looking back at that class now, thinking Yalden was the homerun while it ended up being the other two. This isn’t to say Yalden won’t end up being a great player at the college level, but it hasn’t happened yet.

 

Yalden played in 26 games for Seton Hall, averaging 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for the Pirates, but he only played 8.4 minutes on average. He was a bit buried on the depth chart, and that could be a major reason he’s looking for a new opportunity.

 

The 6’9″ Appleton, Wisconsin native let the Wisconsin Badgers ship sail away, but it will be interesting to see where he lands and if he’s able to get to the level that everyone thought when he was entering college. He still has incredible size and talent, but what remains to be seen is if he can translate it onto the court game in and game out.

 

•

 

 

With the portal now open, and the Badgers in need of some fresh talent after losing six seniors, Sam Kayser has reported that Wisconsin is one of the teams in pursuit of a fast rising wing.

 

Badgers looking at another scorer in Bubu Benjamin in the transfer portal

Tarleton State guard BuBu Benjamin has heard from the Badgers along with several other programs since entering the transfer portal. The 6-foot-7 guard averaged 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season on 44% shooting and 38% from three, which is eerily similar to John Tonje’s averages the year before his injury. Tonje averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game on 47% shooting and 39% from the field in 2022.

 

Gard has gotten huge seasons out of AJ Storr and now Tonje after recruiting them to Madison. Could Benjamin be the next in line? He certainly seems to fit the bill, at least on paper.

 

Wisconsin will face some steep competition for the wing out of Tarleton, but there’s no question Benjamin has the mold that Gard and staff are looking for when it comes to roster building, so he should be a high priority. Outside of John Blackwell, Wisconsin lacks a go-to bucket getter, and Benjamin could fill that void. Last season he had six games scoring over 20 points.

 

The Badgers will almost certainly grab a wing and a center in the portal and maybe more. Benjamin would be a nice add who could plug into the starting lineup right away.

 

•

 

Since January, there’s been a lot of talk about how the transfer portal was going to shake out for the Wisconsin Badgers in the offseason. The biggest priorities for fans and the coaching staff were to make sure star sophomores John Blackwell and Nolan Winter did not jump into it. They could probably command some big NIL numbers, and Wisconsin didn’t even want to see them go shopping.

 

John Blackwell posted on social media after the loss to BYU in the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament about coming back next year. Nolan Winter also mentioned “next year” in a social media post by the Wisconsin basketball team. However, in a wonderfully well-written column by Jim Polzin on Madison.com, they both made their intentions for Wisconsin explicitly clear.

 

Nolan Winter and John Blackwell both declare their desire to be Badgers for life.

Jim Polzin talked with both of them about their dads, who played in the Big Ten but in a completely different era. Glynn Blackwell played for Illinois from 1984 to 1988, and Trevor Winter played at Minnesota from 1993 to 1997. Now, the NIL and the transfer portal are a reality, and it’s easy to jump ship and move around. However, neither John Blackwell nor Nolan Winter are interested in that path. They want to stay at Wisconsin for their whole careers.

 

According to Polzin’s article, which is a must read, Blackwell said:

 

“I’m going to be a Badger for life. I want to be remembered as a legend here. I want to be remembered as a guy who stuck around, who’s been through all this madness and business. ”

John Blackwell

And Nolan Winter also said a similar thing:

 

“I’ve kind of got my dad’s blood where you’re with a school for four years when you sign…I’ve got four years here and I’m going to enjoy every year of it. ”

Nolan Winter

This is huge for the Badgers as those two are important building blocks for the incoming 2025-2026 season. Read the full article from Polzin here; there’s so much more to enjoy as a Badger fan.

 

 

Lipscomb Bisons forward Jacob Ognacevic (41) speaks during press conference before NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Fiserv Forum.

Wisconsin Badgers basketball team will no longer have John Tonje for next season and that means not having his close to 20 points per game. Maybe they should try recruiting someone who has deep connection to the state?

 

Wisconsin Badgers basketball

Wisconsin Badgers players Steven Crowl and Max Klesmit and John Tonje during a press conference at Ball Arena.

Sheboygan-native Jacob Ognacevic has reportedly entered the transfer portal after recording his best season yet as part of the Lipscomb Bisons.

 

He finished the season averaging 20.1 points per game, 8.1 rpg, 1.4 apg in around 33.6 minutes per outing – all of them are career highs.

 

He entered the ongoing season coming off a medical redshirt stint after suffering a knee injury at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

 

His former school is supportive of his move.

 

Jacob Ognacevic, Lipscom Bisons

; Lipscomb Bisons forward Jacob Ognacevic (41) works out during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

“Jacob has done so much for our program and our university over the past four years,” head coach Lennie Acuff said.

 

“He has graduated with honors while representing Lipscomb in a first class manner on and off the court. He will be be a tremendous addition to whatever program he chooses to finish his career. Jacob Ognacevic will always be a Lipscomb Bison.”

 

Wisconsin Badgers’ necessity for a great scorer

Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Steven Crowl are all parts of the starting unit who will no longer be there when the new season starts.

 

Taking their mantle are John Blackwell and Nolan Winter who are also both part of the starting five.

 

The two’s development is being assured by the team but it would not be wrong for them to make an offer to Ognacevic who has deeper connection with Wisconsin.

 

The 6’8 forward played high school basketball at Sheboygan Lutheran High School where he averaged 30.2 points and 15.7 rebounds per game in his junior year. He eclipsed that in his senior year by recording 39.4 points and 16.1 rebounds per outing.

 

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard reacts to a play

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard reacts to a play against Michigan during the second half of Big Ten Tournament championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

He proceeded to play college hoops with the Valparaiso University but he only played one season there.

 

Right now, there are no news yet of which school he will sign with but given the culture in Wisconsin, the pride of representing the state, Ognacevic can also take a look at Greg Gard’s vision.