Wisconsin Basketball Guard U-Turns, Enters the Transfer Portal

Badgers guard Connor Essegian had a change of heart and will enter the transfer portal after two seasons with the Wisconsin basketball program.

The Indiana native shared less than two weeks ago that he had no interest in putting his name in the transfer portal because his loyalty to the Wisconsin Badgers program outweighed anything else he might find on the open market — but he has understandably had a change of heart.

“First off, I would like to say thank you Badger Nation for everything,” Essegian wrote. “These last two years in Madison have been nothing short of amazing. This place has helped shape me into the person I am today. The city and university will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you to the all of the fans and the community for your unconditional love and support. You took me in as your own and I am forever grateful for that. 

“Thank you to my teammates who have become part of my forever family and for the relationships and memories we’ve created. Thank you to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level. Thank you to my friends and family for supporting me through this difficult process. But after further consideration, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal. Thank you Wisconsin.”

Badger Nation thank you❤️ pic.twitter.com/0xRycl0b67

— Connor Essegian (@CEssegian) March 25, 2024

Connor Essegian Moving on From Wisconsin Basketball

Connor Essegian joined the Wisconsin basketball team as the lone member of the 2022 recruiting class under head coach Greg Gard and made a name for himself by breaking the program’s freshman record for three-pointers made (69).

The former All-Big Ten Freshman standout suffered a back injury in the Badgers season opener, allowing freshman combo guard John Blackwell to see an expanded role. Once healthy, minutes became scarce, and his leash tightened up in Wisconsin’s crowded backcourt rotation.

As a sophomore, Essegian appeared in 33 games, averaging 3.2 points and 0.8 rebounds per game. He shot 30% from beyond the arc while playing an average of 7.3 minutes per contest, a stark drop-off from his freshman season, when he poured in 11.7 points on 35% from 3.

This move should mutually benefit both Essegian and the Wisconsin basketball program.

The Badgers have no shortage of guard depth, with Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit, Blackwell, Kamari McGee, and four-star point guard Daniel Freitag set to join them next season. Now, they can use this scholarship on a player who can better help them in 2024.

Essegian will now begin his search for a new home with two years of eligibility remaining at his next stop. Wisconsin basketball fans will be cheering for him wherever he lands next.

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