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    You are here Home » Wisconsin Basketball: Exciting Guard Named 2023-24 Breakout Candidate
    Wisconsin Badgers

    Wisconsin Basketball: Exciting Guard Named 2023-24 Breakout Candidate

    Jarrett GuerreraBy Jarrett GuerreraOctober 31, 2023No Comments4 Mins Read
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    USATSI 21615241 168400517 lowres 1
    Oct 10, 2023; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Basgers players Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit and Connor Essegian speak to the media during the Big Ten basketball media days at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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    The Wisconsin basketball team hopes to bounce back after failing to meet expectations a year ago. If it is up to one player in particular, the Badgers will reach their goals during the 2023-24 season.

    Recently, The Athletic contributor Sam Vecenie composed an article that covered his top 20 college basketball guards. The article also included a short list of honorable mentions, breakout candidates, and new faces fans must look out for. Among the exceptional breakout candidates in the article sat an experienced Wisconsin basketball star.

    Wisconsin Basketball Guard Connor Essegian Named 2023-24 Breakout Candidate 

    Wisconsin Basketball guard Connor Essegian defending against North Texas.
    Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian (3) defends against North Texas Mean Green guard Rubin Jones (15) in the second half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

    Following a successful individual campaign during his Freshman year, Connor Essegian hopes to take the next step forward for the Badgers this year. A season ago, when the Badgers failed to make the NCAA Tournament, Essegian averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. The guard shot 40.4% from the floor and 35.9% from beyond the arc.

    There is no doubt that the fast-paced Essegian is a strong, confident scorer. However, the Badgers may need a new version of the talented guard this upcoming season. While Essegian might be a capable scorer, the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team will need the guard to transform into an all-around player this upcoming season.

    Can Connor Essegian Breakout for the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Team in 2023? 

    Wisconsin Badgers basketball guard Connor Essegian dives for a loose ball.
    Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; North Texas Mean Green guard Matthew Stone (23) and Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian (3) dive for the ball in the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

    Despite the lack of success for the Wisconsin team last season, there were plenty of signs of a strong team. With the new recruiting class and intriguing transfers like AJ Storr, Wisconsin has no excuse this season. The same will go for Essegian now that the second-year guard has developed a feel for the game at the collegiate level.

    Wisconsin basketball transfer guard AJ Storr
    Mar 9, 2023; New York, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm guard AJ Storr (2) drives to the basket against Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

    A season ago, Essegian struggled as a facilitator and defender, isolating himself as a scorer only. While Essegian had some success in this role, there were a handful of games where the Badgers needed to create a play instead of taking a shot. Much of Essegian’s struggles a year ago will go away with experience, which a tough NIT run may have taught the guard.

    During the NIT, Essegian shot 34.2% from the field and 20% from three-point range, significantly down from his regular season averages. While the guard struggled, the 2023-24 season could prove to be the breakout opportunity that Essegian needed with a stronger Badgers squad.

    Currently, Essegian is likely set to start alongside talented Wisconsin basketball veterans Chucky Hepburn, Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl, and Max Klesmit. Wisconsin should be able to produce a feared starting lineup while still having the likes of Storr and Freshman Nolan Winter off the bench.

    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!

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    Jarrett Guerrera
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    Jarrett Guerrera has graduated from Western New England University with a Bachelors degree in English and is currently pursuing a Masters in the same field. Jarrett has worked for Fansided, Wisconsin Sports Heroics, Gridiron Heroics, and BadgerNotes during his sports writing career.

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