It’s clear Wisconsin has not given up on getting a backup center out of the transfer portal. Depending on who you talk to, most would say the Badgers need a center to back up Steven Crowl. I am in the camp that agrees that they need to get one. According to The Portal Report, Wisconsin has been in contact with Mississippi State transfer Will McNair Jr. He has one year of eligibility remaining. ESPN lists him at 6’11 and 265 pounds.
Career Stats
In the 2022-2023 season, McNair appeared in 34 games and averaged 12.6 minutes a game to go along with 3.3 points a game and 3.3 rebounds a game. He also shot 45.2% from the field. His best game game against Ole Miss on January 7 when he scored 13 points in 25 minutes on 5-7 shooting.
Why This Makes Sense For Wisconsin
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The Badgers need a player who will embrace a backup role and play around 10-15 minutes a game. Chris Vigt accepted that role a few seasons ago and he was great at it. Nothing really stands out about McNair, but he has four years of experience at a top level school in a top level conference. That is experience you won’t find everywhere especially in the transfer portal.
I like McNair’s size as well. From a post presence perspective, I don’t think the Badgers would be missing much, McNair would almost certainly play right away as Wisconsin is razor thin at that position. Currently, the Badgers would have 6’8 Carter Gilmore as the backup center. The Big Ten has big post players every year and it’s been tough for Wisconsin at times to counter it.
Overall, this seems like a player that would make sense. We will see if the Badgers get McNair or not.
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