Madison, WI – On Monday, Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard gave a detailed look at the program’s direction heading into the upcoming exhibition game against the Green Bay Phoenix on Thursday. Gard emphasized the importance of returning players, establishing a strong buy‑in culture and developing new scoring options.
Building from the ground up
Gard said the first step for the Badgers is to get as many players back on the court as possible. “We want to return as much as we can, then we build from there,” he explained. The coach highlighted the “buy‑in factor” as a cornerstone of the team’s identity, noting that every player must commit to the collective goal of competing at a high level.
Scoring transition
With the departures of senior scorers Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, the Badgers face a scoring vacuum that will need to be filled. Gard acknowledged the challenge, stating that the next month or two will reveal who the primary offensive weapons will become. He praised the work ethic of the returning roster and expressed confidence that new contributors will step up.
Veteran point guard leadership
Veteran point guard Nolan Winter received a special mention. Gard said he has “big expectations” for Winter, who is expected to guide the offense and set the tempo. “He’s a leader on the floor and we trust him to run the team,” Gard added.
Impact of transfers
Transfer player Eian Elmer was also discussed. Gard highlighted Elmer’s experience and potential to add depth to the Badgers’ lineup. While Gard did not provide specific statistics, he indicated that Elmer’s skill set fits the team’s need for versatile scoring and defensive effort.
Looking ahead to the exhibition
The exhibition contest against the Green Bay Phoenix will serve as a valuable test for the Badgers’ new pieces. Gard sees the game as an opportunity to evaluate chemistry, assess how the team executes its offensive schemes and gauge the readiness of emerging players. “It’s a chance to see where we are and what we need to work on before the regular season begins,” he said.
Fans can expect a competitive matchup on Thursday, with the Badgers aiming to showcase the progress made in the offseason and set a positive tone for the upcoming campaign.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
