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Greg Gard tabs breakout player, standout transfer for Wisconsin hoops entering 2022-23 season

Michael Daly

By Michael Daly

Published:

Greg Gard has made several assessments of his Wisconsin team ahead of the upcoming season.

Wisconsin is coming off a 25-8 record in the 2021-2022 season and the Badgers reached the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin enters this season with an experienced roster and high expectations for another strong season.

Former Wisconsin point guard Johnny Davis was drafted by the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Davis was the team-leader in points and rebounds with an average of 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Wisconsin will need someone to step up and Gard has his eyes on 1 player to fill that role.

Gard described Tyler Wahl as a “dominant player” in practice during the offseason, according to CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein. Last season, Wahl averaged 11.4 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game. Wahl, a senior, is approaching his most important season in college and he could become the team’s breakout player as one of the leaders.

Another player that Gard was pleased with was Wofford transfer Max Klesmit. After 2 seasons at Wofford, Klesmit transferred to Wisconsin. In the 2021-2022 season, Klesmit averaged 14.9 points. He was a valued recruit for the Badgers and could be a key role player in the lineup.

Wisconsin is set to open the season against South Dakota on Monday, Nov. 7.