Wisconsin Basketball: Greg Gard Gives Update on Carter Gilmore, Praises Markus Ilver

The Wisconsin basketball program notched a convincing 71-49 win over the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Monday night. The Badgers are now 5-2 and set to head into one of the most challenging stretches of the season.

One notable absence in Monday night’s clash was Carter Gilmore, who was listed as questionable before tip-off. The junior forward is currently averaging two points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in nearly 12 minutes per game. 

Wisconsin Basketball HC Greg Gard Provides Update on Carter Gilmore’s Injury, Praises Markus Ilver

During postgame media availability, Greg Gard explained why Gilmore did not see the floor on Monday.

“He went through warmups and said he could give it a go, and I just decided that I’d see how the game started and decided not to play him. That was my decision just so he could continue to rest his lower body,” Gard explained.

After that answer, Gard discussed Markus Ilver, who stepped up in Gilmore’s absence and played 14 minutes off the bench. 

“Markus is someone I’ve wanted to get in. He’s practiced well, and I think played well when he’s been in. To get him some minutes and get him in there, I thought he did a good job.”

Ilver finished the game with three points, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist off the bench. In his first real minutes of the season, the 6-foot-9 junior was stout on the defense and played a clean game with no fouls or turnovers. 

The Wisconsin basketball program is set to take on No. 3 ranked Marquette on Saturday afternoon at home. With the additional rest, it seems likely that Gilmore will be able to give it a go, but if not, UW has a solid option in Ilver.

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