The Wisconsin Badgers learned their NCAA Tournament fate today after a disappointing regular season and loss in the first round of the Big Ten tournament. Wisconsin (17-14, 9-11 Big Ten) missed the NCAA Tournament for just the second time since 1998 and the second time under head coach Greg Gard.
Wisconsin Badgers fans have debated Gard’s job status throughout the season. Following the news on Selection Sunday, Badgers fans sounded off on Twitter:
Wisconsin Badgers Fans Criticize Head Coach Greg Gard
Wow, playing in a natty just a few years ago to accepting an NIT bid. Clear and obvious decline under gard
— m (@mitchrob8) March 12, 2023
“Wow, playing in a natty just a few years ago to accepting an NIT bid. Clear and obvious decline under gard [sic].” – @mitchrob8
Greg Gard is a damn good college basketball coach.
Wisconsin also underachieved this season, and he needs to improve the program's overall talent/depth to get the #Badgers back in contention in 2023-24.
Both things can be true.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) March 12, 2023
“Greg Gard is a damn good college basketball coach.
“Wisconsin also underachieved this season, and he needs to improve the program’s overall talent/depth to get the #Badgers back in contention in 2023-24.
“Both things can be true.” – @DillonGraff
You misspelled "Gard fails to get UW into the Big Dance for the 2nd time in 5 years." His Sweet 16 drought now reaches 6 years. His failure to finish in the Top 10 reaches 8. And he's 0 for 7 in Big Ten Tourney Championships.
— Boyd Miller (@bjmiller90) March 12, 2023
“You misspelled “Gard fails to get UW into the Big Dance for the 2nd time in 5 years.” His Sweet 16 drought now reaches 6 years. His failure to finish in the Top 10 reaches 8. And he’s 0 for 7 in Big Ten Tourney Championships.” – @bjmiller90
I’m not talking about missing out on local guys like Tyler Herro or Jordan Poole. Gard didn’t even offer scholarships to guys like Tyrese Haliburton and Brandon Podziemski. There’s inarguably never been more talent coming out of Wisconsin and Johnny Davis has been the only pro.
— Connor Learn (@ConnorLearn) March 12, 2023
“The fact that the Badgers didn’t make the tourney and I just don’t care isn’t good. I shouldn’t be this apathetic and am officially on the fire Greg Gard boat after fighting it for too long. Dude simply hasn’t evaluated talent that well.
“I’m not talking about missing out on local guys like Tyler Herro or Jordan Poole. Gard didn’t even offer scholarships to guys like Tyrese Haliburton and Brandon Podziemski. There’s inarguably never been more talent coming out of Wisconsin and Johnny Davis has been the only pro.” – @ConnorLearn
Wisconsin Badgers Fans Look Ahead to NIT
#Badgers can only blame themselves. They didn’t step up when they needed to. Let’s move on and win a game or two in the NIT and then bring in new recruits and hopefully some large-bodied, strong transfers. #IStillLoveWisconsin
— Teri Shannon (@77rocket) March 12, 2023
“#Badgers can only blame themselves. They didn’t step up when they needed to. Let’s move on and win a game or two in the NIT and then bring in new recruits and hopefully some large-bodied, strong transfers. #IStillLoveWisconsin.” – @77rocket
Have some pride and decline.
— Clayton Paul (@CPaul48) March 12, 2023
“Have some pride and decline [an NIT invitation].” – @CPaul48