As the excitement of March Madness begins, the Big Ten Tournament kicks off in Indianapolis, with the Wisconsin Badgers set to face off on Thursday as the fifth seed. Ahead of the game, Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard met with the media on Tuesday to discuss various aspects of the team’s preparations for the tournament, including injury updates, player recognitions, and reflections on the season so far.
Max Klesmit’s Health Status
A key topic during Gard’s press conference was the injury status of Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit. After being sidelined for recent games, Klesmit was cleared to play ahead of the Big Ten Tournament. Gard confirmed that Klesmit participated in two practices on Monday and Tuesday, and while he was unable to play on Saturday, he is now ready for action.
Klesmit has been an important piece for the Badgers over the past three years, contributing significantly both on offense and defense. Gard acknowledged that Klesmit’s absence had an impact on the team’s performance, as his role is crucial to the overall dynamic of the squad. While the team has grown in Klesmit’s absence, with players like Janicki improving their individual games, Gard emphasized the importance of having Klesmit back for the postseason. When fully healthy, the Badgers are a strong team, and Klesmit’s return is a key part of their hopes for success in the Big Ten Tournament.
Klesmit’s Potential for Playing Four Games in Four Days
As the Big Ten Tournament stretches over multiple days, Gard was asked about the possibility of Klesmit playing four games in as many days. He indicated that there were no minute restrictions placed on Klesmit yet but noted that the team would assess his condition as the tournament progresses. Although Klesmit had been away from full practice, he had been staying active in the meantime with conditioning activities like biking and pool workouts. Gard mentioned that Klesmit looked good in practice, and his return adds a boost to the team’s morale. While the team will monitor Klesmit’s condition closely, he is expected to play as much as necessary, depending on how he feels.
John Tonje’s Unanimous All-Big Ten Selection
Another significant topic was the recognition of Wisconsin guard John Tonje, who was named a unanimous All-Big Ten selection. Gard expressed that this accolade is a significant statement for the program, showcasing the talent and growth that Tonje has demonstrated since joining Wisconsin. He praised Tonje for his improvement throughout the season, particularly in terms of his skills and defensive capabilities. Gard also highlighted that Tonje’s development reflects the staff’s ability to help players reach their full potential, whether they are one-year transfers or multi-year players. Tonje’s evolution as a player has made him one of the most recognizable figures in college basketball, and his All-Big Ten selection is a testament to his hard work and the program’s ability to support its players.
Nolan Winter’s Status
Another key player, Nolan Winter, had been dealing with an injury but was expected to return to full participation. Gard confirmed that Winter had practiced on Monday and Tuesday and was feeling good. Winter’s return adds depth to the team, and his status going into the tournament is important for Wisconsin’s success.
Team Motivation and Adjustments After Recent Setbacks
Coach Gard also addressed the team’s mindset heading into the Big Ten Tournament. After a challenging performance on Saturday, Gard made sure to move quickly past the disappointment, focusing the team’s attention on preparing for the upcoming tournament. He admitted that, as a coach, he tends to dwell on poor performances longer than he should, but acknowledged that younger players tend to recover more quickly from setbacks. The team’s ability to bounce back and remain focused on the tournament was a key focus in Gard’s comments, as the Badgers gear up for the postseason.
John Blackwell’s All-Big Ten Snub
Gard was asked about Wisconsin guard John Blackwell’s absence from the All-Big Ten first, second, or third teams. Gard expressed his surprise that Blackwell, who had a significant impact on the Badgers’ season, did not receive higher recognition. He noted that the voting process is highly competitive, with 18 teams in the conference and many deserving players. Gard emphasized that, for him, winning is the most important factor when casting votes, and while individual accolades are important, the team’s success in the tournament should be the main focus. Gard reassured Blackwell that his contributions to the team were highly valued, and the goal now is to focus on winning and chasing championships, starting with the Big Ten Tournament.
The Changing Landscape of College Sports
Coach Gard was also asked about the current state of college sports, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Gard acknowledged that the landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, and it has become necessary to adapt to the new reality of college athletics. He joked that the portal feels like it opens in January rather than the official date in late March, as teams are already receiving interest from players looking to transfer. Gard discussed the challenge of balancing the responsibilities of coaching with fundraising efforts and managing NIL initiatives, all while preparing for the team’s performance in March. Despite the challenges, Gard expressed that the staff has embraced the changes, understanding that it is crucial to function successfully in this new era.
Gard also expressed his hope that the college sports system would continue to evolve in a way that brings more balance and fairness. He pointed to ongoing discussions at the national level, including a recent testimony by Wisconsin’s athletic director, Chris McIntosh, before Congress. While Gard believes that progress is being made, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done to ensure that college athletics remains sustainable and fair for all involved.
Defensive Struggles in Recent Loss
Looking back at the team’s recent struggles, Gard analyzed the Badgers’ defensive performance in their loss on Saturday. He pointed out that ball pressure was a key factor in the team’s defensive issues, as they failed to consistently apply pressure on the ball. When the team’s defense lacks intensity, it allows opponents to gain easy opportunities, which happened during the game. Gard noted that when the Badgers are on their game defensively, they are at their best, and the lack of consistent ball pressure contributed to their struggles. This is an area the team will need to address as they prepare for the intensity of the tournament.
Max Klesmit’s Leadership
Finally, Gard was asked to speak about Max Klesmit’s leadership qualities. He compared Klesmit to past Wisconsin players who were known for their toughness and leadership, such as Jordan Gasser, Josh Showalter, and Brad Davison. These players were known for their edge and their ability to lead both vocally and physically on the court, and Klesmit shares those same qualities. Gard emphasized that Klesmit’s leadership is an important piece of the team, and his presence on the court is felt in ways that go beyond just scoring points. His competitive spirit and toughness have made him a key figure in the team’s success, and his return from injury adds an extra level of confidence to the squad.
Getting to Know John Tonje
Gard also reflected on the process of getting to know John Tonje, who transferred to Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility. Gard noted that, while getting to know one-year transfers can be challenging due to their limited time with the team, Tonje’s maturity and experience made him a great fit for the Badgers. Tonje’s quiet and introspective nature stood in contrast to some of the more outgoing players, but his maturity and ability to handle adult responsibilities were clear. Gard also explained that, like other transfers, Tonje’s age and experience shaped his communication style, and the coaching staff had to adjust to that. Tonje’s maturity has made him an effective leader, and his transition to Wisconsin highlights the importance of understanding players’ unique backgrounds and personalities.
In conclusion, as the Badgers prepare for the Big Ten Tournament, Coach Gard emphasized the importance of having all players healthy, motivated, and focused on the task at hand. The return of Max Klesmit and the recognition of players like John Tonje are key storylines as Wisconsin heads into the postseason. With the challenges of the transfer portal, NIL, and shifting dynamics in college sports, Gard and his staff have embraced the new landscape and are ready to guide their team toward success in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.
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