The Wisconsin basketball team has found themselves in a difficult rut, and perhaps the way out of it involves a familiar face.
Sophomore guard Connor Essegian has had a disappointing and difficult 2024 season after shining a year ago. Essegian is averaging only a handful of minutes with the emergence of transfer guard AJ Storr on offense and bench player John Blackwell. With Wisconsin basketball struggling recently, playing Essegian could be the change the Badgers need.
Wisconsin Basketball Drops Out of Top 25 Rankings Following Four Straight Losses
Over the course of the past month, Wisconsin basketball has hit a rough patch as the team has struggled to play consistent basketball. The Badgers struggles began with an overtime loss to Nebraska following a double-digit point lead being erased. Wisconsin had a mini meltdown against the Cornhuskers, and unfortunately could not recover from their mistakes.
The struggles for Wisconsin basketball carried over into their next few games as well, starting with a loss to Purdue where the Badgers started off hot. Wisconsin missed a few shots and let Purdue get out to a large lead before the half. After the Boilermakers gained the lead, they never looked back much like Michigan and Rutgers did as well.
Wisconsin has had difficulty with playing consistent basketball, and it has gotten to the point where nothing seems ‘automatic’ for the Badgers.
Could Connor Essegian Fuel the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Team?
Just a season ago, guard Connor Essegian was lighting up the scoreboard for the Wisconsin basketball team as he emerged offensively. Essegian has always been known for his scoring ability, and was able to put it fully on display for the Badgers when the team truly needed a scorer. Now, fast-forward to the 2024 season, and Wisconsin has found players who can do what Essegian does in Storr and Blackwell.
With no real role for Essegian and an unfortunate injury in the first game of the season, the guard has seen a significant drop in his minutes. The guard played a season-high 24 minutes in the blowout loss to Rutgers where the Badgers could not get anything to work offensively. Essegian logged 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting, but has since reverted back to his old minutes.
There is no doubt the sample size of Essegian this year has been very minimal, and the team has had their ups and downs without him on the court. However, after losing four of their last five, Wisconsin basketball should consider giving minutes to other players like Essegian who have proved themselves in the past.
A Look Ahead: Wisconsin Basketball Enters Regular Season Home Stretch
With only five regular season games left, Wisconsin basketball has entered the home stretch. Wisconsin will finish the season starting with Maryland tonight exclusively on Peacock before facing Indiana, Illinois, Rutgers, and Purdue. To say the Badgers have a tough final stretch would be an understatement as they have struggled against each team previously this season.
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
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply