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Greg Gard talks defense, new faces at B1G Media Days
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Wisconsin’s roster saw some turnover this offseason.
The Badgers have 8 new players joining the roster and return 2 starters from last year’s squad, which finished 18-13 overall and 10-10 in B1G action. Four of their top scorers are gone, meaning Brad Davison is the top returner, averaging 10 points per game last season.
They were picked to finish 10th in the B1G media preseason poll this week, so expectations aren’t particularly high for Greg Gard’s squad, especially considering the roster changes.
He addressed the players and talked about his team’s need to clamp down on defense after leading the B1G in scoring defense last year, holding teams to 64.6 points per game.
Here’s what Gard had to say:
So @BadgerMBB's coach @GregGard says @braddavi34 remains one of the best leaders he's ever been around. Here's why.#B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/f7Gat4HY7k
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) October 8, 2021
#Badgers men's coach Greg Gard: One week into practice…Says most folks outside Madison don't know the roster but he likes what he has seen so far. Lots of talent with a chance to have depth. Acknowledges he anticipates growing pains.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 8, 2021
Many #Badgers fans expect Jonathan Davis to be a leader this year. Greg Gard does, too. But he notes he expects the same from Tyler Wahl.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 8, 2021
#Badgers coach Greg Gard asked about defending quality bigs in the B1G. Said it will be by committee: Crowl, Vogt, Carlson.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 8, 2021
#Badgers coach Greg Gard notes that 10th-year senior Brad Davison — kidding — is trying to help other younger players (Wahl, Davis) find their leadership voices.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 8, 2021
Gard: "I know there's not a lot of returning, recognizable, household names. At the same time what I've watched develop from last spring into the summer and then so far this fall is watching a lot of younger guys become old and take their next step in their leadership."
— Abby Schnable (@AbbySchnable) October 8, 2021
Gard on Brad Davison: "If he's ever banged up I have to make him stay out of the gym. … We're delighted that he's back in our locker room and he's really been a great mentor for our young guys."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 8, 2021
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.