Wisconsin Basketball Trio Confirms Return for Another Season

MADISON, Wis. — In a somewhat surprising move, three key members of the Wisconsin basketball program have opted to skip the usual suspense and publicly declared their intentions to return for the 2024-25 season.

Center Steven Crowl, guard Max Klesmit, and forward Carter Gilmore have decided well in advance to exercise their COVID year, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of their respective careers at the University of Wisconsin.

This announcement comes as a pleasant surprise to Greg Gard and the Badgers basketball program — who are now well-positioned with returning talent to push for a Big Ten title in each of the next two seasons.

While the traditional process of waiting until the end of the season to hear about players’ future plans has become customary, Crowl, Klesmit, and Gilmore have decided to put any speculation to rest early for the Wisconsin basketball program.

The Returners Impact on Wisconsin Basketball 

Steven Crowl, the 7-foot big man from Minnesota, has improved each season in a Badgers uniform. He’s gotten stronger, improved in the low post, and is arguably the best passer on the Wisconsin basketball team (one of only two seven-footers in the NCAA to average at least 2.5 assists per game). 

His decision to return for another season — beyond the 2023-24 campaign gives UW a significant boost in the frontcourt while allowing the younger players additional time to develop. 

Max Klesmit, known for his gritty defensive play and shooting for the Badgers embodies everything the Wisconsin basketball program stands for — and started 33 games a year ago — averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and and 1.4 assists. He will be a key member of the backcourt each of the next two years. 

Lastly, Carter Gilmore appeared in all 35 games a year ago and was a core member of the Wisconsin basketball rotation. He excels in post-defense and has an overall terrific motor. 

No matter how you look at things, this is a terrific development for Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers.

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