After a tough loss to Arizona last Saturday, Wisconsin basketball was able to get back into the win column last night. The Badgers beat Jacksonville State 75-60 in the first home game at the Kohl Center since December 3. It was a nice night for Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl as they combined for 35 points and 16 rebounds. The win improved the Badgers record to 8-3. Here are three takeaway’s from last night’s win.
Wisconsin Basketball Dominated The Paint
I mentioned in this game’s preview on Wednesday that it was important for Wisconsin basketball to get back to dominating the paint. Tyler Wahl scored the first eight Wisconsin points and did whatever he wanted to in the paint. The Badgers went to Crowl and Wahl early and often. As a result, the Badgers won the points in the paint battle 40-20.
The Big Ten is loaded with good post players. If you want to have success in league play, you have to have a post game. So far this season, Wisconsin basketball is showing they can go to Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl throughout the game. Add in Carter Gilmore and the emergence of Nolan Winter, the Badgers are developing some nice post players.
What is Going On With Connor Essegian?
The biggest question regarding this team is the health and mystery of Connor Essegian. The back injury has limited him in some role, but the lack of playing time remains a question. Essegian did not check into the game until about 12 minutes left. After getting beat on a screen right away, Gard pulled Essegian and it resulted in boos from the crowd. Gard did mention it after the game.
Greg Gard on Connor Essegian: Holding him accountable is the best thing we can do as coaches and demand that you have to guard. He is in a funk right now. He's better than he was two, three weeks ago. He understands it. He has to be more physical defensively.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 15, 2023
I don’t want to assume anything, but it sounds like Essegian is not playing to the defensive standards Gard and the Wisconsin basketball coaching staff need him to be at. It’s resulted in more minutes for John Blackwell and he’s take advantage of it. I’m just not sure continuing to sit a player who’s in a funk is going to help him. Essegian is the best three point shooter on this this team and the Badgers need his shooting in Big Ten play.
A Much Needed Break
It’s been a crazy 12 days for the Wisconsin basketball team. Four games in this span is a lot of minutes and very little time to get healthy. Now, the Badgers get a week off and then 11 days off after that when Big Ten play resumes.
I think this a time the coaching staff decides what they do Gus Yalden. Whether Yalden or the staff makes the choice, I don’t see burning a year of eligibility if a player of his caliber won’t play. The Badgers don’t need Gus Yalden this year, but they need him in the future. A redshirt would save a year and give him four years.
For a player like Connor Essegian, a break might be what he needs too. I know he wants to play and succeed for his team. This gives him the chance to hit the reset button.
Up Next
Wisconsin basketball concludes the non-conference part of the schedule on December 22 when they welcome Chicago State to the Kohl Center. This could be a tricky game as Chicago State beat Northwestern earlier this week. Tip time is scheduled for 7 PM on BTN.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What number is Carter Gilmore?
Carter Gilmore wears jersey number 5 for the Arrowhead 2019-20 regular season. As a forward on the team roster, he plays a significant role in the Arrowhead lineup.
How tall is Nolan Winter?
Nolan Winter stands at a height of 6 feet 11 inches. His impressive stature contributes to his athletic prowess as a forward, making him a significant recruit from the state of Minnesota.
