Wisconsin basketball targeting San Diego State transfer guard Nick Boyd

Wisconsin men's basketball is targeting San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd, an experienced combo guard with Final Four experience and playmaking ability.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Wisconsin Badgers are looking to add some experience to the backcourt this offseason, and they’ve got a veteran playmaker from the Mountain West on their wishlist who could fit the bill.

A source with knowledge of the situation told BadgerNotes that San Diego State transfer Nick Boyd, a guard with Final Four experience and a proven track record, was originally scheduled to take an official visit over the weekend, but that visit instead took place earlier in the week.

He’s currently visiting North Carolina. Syracuse and Seton Hall are also believed to be in the mix, among other programs. Proximity to his home state of New Jersey could be a factor in Boyd’s decision.

Boyd, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard, started all 31 games for the Aztecs last season, averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Boyd shot 41.1% from the field and 35.1% beyond the arc, earning a 3.3 points above replacement mark from Bartorvik and a 109.3 offensive rating.

After entering the transfer portal on March 21, Boyd quickly became one of the most sought-after guards available.

"I want to thank God for the opportunity to play at San Diego State and the incredible people I've met along the way," Boyd wrote. "To my teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans, I want to thank you guys for the support and welcoming me with open warms. After speaking to my family and praying on it I have decided to enter the transfer portal."

With one year of eligibility remaining, Boyd’s ability to score, facilitate, and background makes him an intriguing target for Wisconsin men’s basketball.

A compelling fit for Wisconsin

Before his time at San Diego State, Boyd spent four years at Florida Atlantic, where he was a key contributor on their Final Four team in 2022-23 under head coach Dusty May—who is now at Michigan.

Boyd is no stranger to the national stage. The soon to be 24-year-old guard has played in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and shown his ability to perform under pressure. Across his career, Boyd has made 82 starts in 119 appearances, gaining valuable playing time at both FAU and San Diego State.

His decision to take a post-graduate year at Bosco Institute in Merriville, Indiana, followed by a redshirt season in college, has given him an extra level of maturity on the court — and it’s evident in his play.

At San Diego State, Boyd dished out 121 assists to just 55 turnovers, maintaining an impressive 2.10 career assist-to-turnover ratio. Combine that with Boyd’s career 37% shooting from beyond the arc, and it’s clear why he’s been one of the more sought-after combo guards in the portal.

Given his balanced offensive game and court awareness, Boyd’s skill set aligns well with Wisconsin’s needs.

The Badgers are seeking a scoring guard who can both create for himself and facilitate for others. Boyd’s experience running an offense, coupled with his shooting and crafty ball-handling, could complement Wisconsin’s returning core of John Blackwell and Nolan Winter.

While Boyd isn’t what some might classify as a traditional point guard, his versatility as a combo guard could be a major asset. He brings a level of quickness and change of direction that Greg Gard doesn't always have and offers a clear upgrade in ball-handling — especially in transition. With Boyd and Blackwell sharing ball-handling duties, Wisconsin could push the pace and create a dynamic backcourt pairing that thrives in open-court situations.

The Badgers have plenty of holes to fill in the portal this offseason.

Wisconsin needs to replace backcourt minutes from Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee, John Tonje’s production on the wing, and frontcourt minutes left behind by Steven Crowl and Carter Gilmore.

While adding a scoring wing and a plug-and-play starting big man are still high on the to-do list this offseason, landing a versatile combo guard in the mold of Boyd, who allows Blackwell to shift off the ball more often, would fill a significant need.

Final thoughts

Wisconsin’s interest in Boyd is not surprising. Gard has often targeted veteran guards in the portal who bring experience and leadership to the locker room. With Boyd’s postseason resume and mature approach to the game, he’d be an immediate asset in Madison.

It won’t be easy for Wisconsin to land Boyd, though. North Carolina is also heavily involved, with the guard making a visit to Chapel Hill over the weekend. The Tar Heels are searching for backcourt depth following the departure of point guard Elliot Cadeau to the portal.

That said, Boyd is focused on finding the best opportunity to display his skills and set himself up for a potential pro career after college. Wisconsin’s system, which helped transfers like AJ Storr and John Tonje take their games to the next level, could be a strong selling point.

Boyd’s decision will ultimately come down to a combination of fit, opportunity, and NIL considerations. While Wisconsin may not offer the same financial packages as other top programs, the Badgers have a reputation for player development and consistent success in the Big Ten. And with Kirk Penney leading the team’s offense, the Badgers have now finished inside of the KenPom top 20 in adjusted offensive efficiency in back-to-back years.

With a major scoring void left by Tonje’s departure, Boyd would have the chance to step into a lead guard role in Gard’s system. Whether Wisconsin can close the deal remains to be seen, but their pursuit of Boyd makes one thing clear — they’re intent on staying competitive in 2025-26.

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