The college basketball transfer portal opened Monday and there are already more than 300 prospects for coaches to evaluate.
Wisconsin signed two players – Game McGee And Max Klemit – from the portal of the last offseason, and the Badgers should be active again this winter and spring.
Here’s a look at six players for the head coach to watch early on Greg Gard and its staff.
Transfer from: Lehigh
Statistics 2022-23: 31.0 MIN, 14.2 PPG, 6.5 REB, 43.0 3P%
Why it makes sense: Evan Taylor, an Illinois native, is a prospect the staff have known from his high school days at Glenbard West. The senior would give the Badgers an athletic wing with size and a perimeter shooter. A recipient of the All-Patriot League, Taylor still has one year of eligibility left.
Transfer from: Towson
Statistics 2022-23: 35.7 MIN, 17.7 PPG, 3.9 REB, 41.6 3P%
Why it makes sense: Like Taylor, Nicholas Timberlake could give the Badgers some needed outside shooting help and another proven veteran in the rotation. The eldest was a first-team All-CAA pick this season.
Transfer from: Wyoming
Statistics 2022-23: 25MIN, 2.1AST, 14.5PTS, 48.1PG%
Why it makes sense: It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin pursues point and combo guards through the portal. Game McGee came late this season, but the Badgers could use someone like Noah Reynolds, who could provide backcourt help in both places. Injuries (to the head) limited the Peoria, Illinois native last season, but he still finished as the Cowboys’ second leading scorer.
Transfer from: UIC
Statistics 2022-23: 35.1 MIN, 16.6 PPG, 7.0 REB, 45.6 FG%
Why it makes sense: Another wing with a decent size, Jace Carter was a second-team member of the All-Missouri Valley Conference this season. Carter, who still has two years of eligibility left, is also bouncing back well from his post.
Transfer from: Wofford
Statistics 2022-23: 33.0 MIN, 49.3 FG%, 3.7 AST, 15.1 PPG
Why it makes sense: Like Reynolds, Jackson Paveletzke could provide help at both guard positions. A bit undersized, the former Kimberly High School standout in Wisconsin was the freshman of the Southern Conference. He is receiving early interest from a number of Division 1 programs.
Transfer from: Dartmouth
Statistics 2022-23: 23.3 MIN, 7.2 REB, 2.0 BLK, 13.8 PTS
Why it makes sense: Add depth behind Steven Corneille should be a top priority for the Badgers this offseason. Dame Adelekun would provide a veteran presence in the paint, despite being an undersized big at 6ft 8in.
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