Wisconsin Basketball a Finalist for JUCO Transfer Portal Center

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program have been named a finalist for a JUCO center target in the transfer portal. 

Jeff Goodman from The Field of 68 reported that Wisconsin basketball is among the final three choices for Noah Boyed. Before deciding on a new home, Boyed plans to visit LSU, Oregon, and the Badgers. 

Former Baylor commit Noah Boyed will visit Wisconsin, Oregon and LSU as his final 3, source told @TheFieldOf68.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 8, 2024

Initially signing with Baylor in November 2023, Boyed was granted his release on April 26 and has since received interest from programs like Ohio State, Creighton, Minnesota, and the schools mentioned above.

The 7-foot center played the last two seasons at McCook Community College and averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on 56.7% shooting from the field during the 2023-24 season. Boyed will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next stop. 

Wisconsin Basketball Looking to Portal for Frontcourt Depth

With senior Steven Crowl returning for his final season and sophomore Nolan Winter ready to step up and assume a bigger role off the bench, the Wisconsin basketball team’s center position already has quality depth. 

However, there isn’t much to write home about behind them should someone get into foul trouble. Carter Gilmore is a quality post defender but doesn’t bring a lot to the table offensively, and Chris Hodges hasn’t developed into someone you can count on to provide minutes. So, Improving the frontcourt depth on the margins makes a lot of sense. 

Should Wisconsin basketball bring Boyed aboard, he would likely slot in behind Winter on the depth chart but could earn some spot minutes as a backup big man who can alter shots and rebound when called upon. 

Then, in year two, there would be a much clearer path to playing time for the Badgers after he has had a season of development under his belt. 

Wisconsin basketball has been active in the transfer market this offseason, securing commitments from guard John Tonje, point guard Camren Hunter, and power forward Xavier Amos. That said, it’s clear that Coach Gard isn’t done tweaking his roster for the 2024-25 season. 

The Badgers coaching staff will continue scouring the transfer portal for frontcourt depth, and it’s apparent that the final scholarship is intended to go to a forward or center that can provide some toughness on the interior.

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