The Wisconsin Badgers have begun to practice as a full team after completing the roster ahead of a pivotal basketball season.
Wisconsin recently announced the final addition to the 2025-26 roster would be Temple transfer Elijah Gray, filling the last allotted scholarship slot. Gray, a former two-star signee for Fordham, will make the third stop of his collegiate career in Madison after finding a role within the Temple rotation last season.
The athletic forward has begun to prove himself on the court and now will be placed into a potentially great situation for the trajectory of his career.
Gray previously made the jump from Fordham to Temple in an effort to prove himself and prove his value on the court, which succeeded. Now, the forward is tasked with doing much of what he previously did on the court for his previous teams on a much more cut-throat roster with the emergence of other talented players.
Wisconsin Badgers Need Elijah Gray to Provide Depth Off of the Bench
Starting games for the Wisconsin Badgers is not exactly in the cards for Gray at this point in time, but providing help off of the bench however is something the team desperately needs. A season ago, Carter Gilmore was an underrated key contributor who picked up gritty baskets and made exceptional plays seemingly when the team needed them most. Someone will have to replicate what Gilmore provided the team, and Gray should be the top candidate to do so.
The forward shot 48.1% from the floor last season doing the majority of his damage at the rim in a variety of ways. At 6-foot-8-inches, and roughly 240-pounds, Gray can back down most defenders, but the forward also possesses a great burst of speed with the basketball in hand that can catch opposing forwards off-balance.
From long-range, Gray is also a capable shot who can knock down a three-point shot when given the right time to set-up.
Gray has all the tools to take-over for Gilmore, but will need to prove himself on the court as two other key players could fill the same role. True freshman Will Garlock has impressed the staff with his athleticism and physical prowess early, and combined with an improved outside shot the center could have a good chance at stealing the role away from Gray.
Another player Gray will need to prove himself over is Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas, an overseas freshman who signed with the Wisconsin Badgers over Kansas. Bieliauskas will have the most experience on the court for the Badgers in terms of international games, level of competition, and pro-style play this upcoming season. The forward is a mature veteran for his age and the experience of Bieliauskas could play in his favor if Gray struggles taking on the role Gilmore held.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here
