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In an era where college basketball rosters are constantly shifting, Wisconsin men's basketball coach Greg Gard is embracing change while holding onto the program's foundational principles. Speaking at Big Ten Media Days in Rosemont, Illinois, Gard addressed how his approach to assembling a team has evolved, why development remains central to the Badgers' identity, and how they maintain standards amid frequent turnover.
Gard acknowledged that the days of recruiting players who would spend four or five years in the program are fading. "I don't think we can get caught worrying about the past," Gard said. "We can obviously revel in it and talk about how good it was and how fun those were." Yet he stressed that Wisconsin's identity isn't lost; it's adapting. The program still seeks players who value the university, earn degrees from a world-class institution, and build lasting relationships. However, Gard understands why players might leave for financial opportunities. "You can't fault the players who are moving that are able to do that for financial reasons," he said.
The challenge lies in preserving what Wisconsin basketball stands for while acknowledging that the methods to sustain success have changed. "I think that's been the one thing that our program has been able to do really well is evolve and continue to stay tethered to the traditions and the history that we've had," Gard said. "But at the same time we know we're going to have to continue to get better and improve and tweak some things here and there."
Evidence supports this adaptive approach. Last season, Wisconsin won 24 games, finished fifth in the Big Ten, and boasted a top-10 offense nationally in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency rankings. The Badgers also defeated eventual Final Four participants Michigan and Illinois during the regular season. However, the roster that achieved those feats has undergone a major overhaul, with eight new players. Nick Boyd and John Blackwell have departed. Gard retained an established frontcourt with Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp, then added transfers and international talents like Owen Foxwell from the Australian NBL, who is expected to contribute immediately.
Despite the personnel changes, Gard believes the developmental responsibility remains unchanged. "I think trying to continue to push, whether we're going to have you for five years or five months, here's our plan to make you better," Gard said. "And our staff has done a phenomenal job of developing players and putting them in position to really shine with us." This philosophy explains Wisconsin's interest in players like Eian Elmer and Trey Autry. Elmer helped Miami (OH) win 32 games last season, bringing perimeter shooting and winning experience. Autry has played over 100 college games and grew up around the sport with his father, Adrian Autry, now coaching at Virginia. "Winning translates," Gard said. "I don't care what league you're in. Those habits and that culture translates. They understand what winning looks like."
Retaining Winter and Rapp was crucial, providing a stable foundation for a team integrating new pieces. Gard isn't sugarcoating the transition. Wisconsin may not have the same financial resources as some Big Ten heavyweights, but the Badgers have shown they can stay competitive by identifying the right players, developing them, and adapting to modern roster construction. The expectation hasn't changed even as the sport has. "And as the world changes, we've got to keep changing with it," Gard said.
Key Analysis
Gard's comments highlight a broader trend in college athletics: programs must balance tradition with the demands of the transfer portal and NIL. Wisconsin's ability to evolve while maintaining its identity could serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges. By prioritizing development and cultural fit, the Badgers aim to sustain success without compromising their core values.
Originally reported by newspub_live.