The Wisconsin basketball team has seen their first transfer portal entry as a talented guard will leave the team next season.
Guard Connor Essegian has announced via X (Formerly known as Twitter) that he will enter the transfer portal after seeing very limited playing time this season. Essegian was one of the best players for Wisconsin basketball two seasons ago as a true Freshman, but found himself without a real spot on the team this season. Essegian will now look to play elsewhere after failing to crack the regular bench for Head Coach Greg Gard this season.
Wisconsin Basketball Guard Connor Essegian Enters Transfer Portal Following NCAA Tournament Exit
The Wisconsin basketball team has lost their first player to the transfer portal as Sophomore guard Connor Essegian has announced his intentions. Essegian was one of the top players on the Wisconsin basketball team two seasons ago, but took a major step backwards this season as Gard placed him on the reserve bench for the majority of the year. Essegian only really saw quality playing time when the games were already over for the Badgers, which is a huge step down for a player who once averaged double-digit points.
Essegian averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds as a true Freshman for the Badgers, starting 19 games for Wisconsin as the team missed the NCAA Tournament. Following the transfer of fellow guard AJ Storr, Essegian saw a 20-minute decrease in his playing time this past season.
Losing Essegian May Hurt the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Team, But Does Not Come as a Surprise
As much as it hurts to watch a former fan favorite like Essegian go, it is likely the best move for his collegiate basketball career. Along with this, it was a move that seemed obvious as other players continued to receive playing time, and Essegian was still relegated to the bench. The guard could have stayed with the Wisconsin basketball team, but with more players coming into the program next season, it likely would have been a similar situation for Essegian next year.
The guard hits the portal with two years of eligibility left and plenty of programs who are interested. Essegian is coming off of a very difficult season, shooting 38.5% from the field when he was playing, which could hurt his potential value. Regardless of this past season and his decision, Essegian should find success wherever his next home is.
Will the Badgers Look to Add Another Guard Via the Transfer Portal?
While the Badgers staff likely saw this move coming for Essegian, the Badgers are yet to offer or talk with any major guards in the transfer portal. The Wisconsin basketball staff has contacted a handful of guards, but the staff has clearly been looking for a larger, more physical wing.
Wisconsin basketball has star recruit Daniel Freitag joining the team next season, and with AJ Storr likely returning, the Badgers will not need another guard in the portal. Wisconsin will also return guards John Blackwell and Max Klesmit next season, which would fill out their roster guard-wise.
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