Wisconsin Basketball Pursuing NAIA National Player of the Year

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program are exploring the depths of the transfer portal for help in the frontcourt.

A source shared that the Badgers expressed interest in Elijah Malone, Grace College’s NAIA National Player of the Year. They also conveyed that Malone has heard from West Virginia and a laundry list of Mid-Major programs.

Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, the athletic center averaged 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in 24 minutes a night. Additionally, Malone maintained a 63% field goal percentage and showcased his ability to stretch the floor by hitting 36.9% of his three-point attempts.

Malone played four seasons for Grace, appearing in 139 games, 117 of which were starts. He’ll have one year of eligibility at his next stop.

Wisconsin basketball is undeniably grappling with frontcourt depth issues following the departures of Tyler Wahl and Gus Yalden.

Although forwards like Markus Ilver, Carter Gilmore, and Chris Hodges are still on the roster, none have demonstrated the readiness to fill a starting role or warrant more minutes behind Steven Crowl. Nolan Winter could take a big step this offseason, but the point stands.

While Malone might not be the stretch four some envisioned, the Badgers’ interest in the rim-rocking big man is beginning to highlight a trend. Coach Gard and the Wisconsin basketball team struggled mightily defending the pick-and-roll last season. Per Synergy, they ranked in the 16th percentile or lower when defending it.

Perhaps the staff wants to find someone to defend the paint and give them a stronger low-post presence against more imposing bigs. We’ll see if anything materializes, but I’ve been told the interest here is legit on Wisconsin’s side.

The Wisconsin men’s basketball coaches have also been in contact with several other frontcourt options in the portal this offseason, like David Skogman, William Kyle III, and Brandon Angel. 

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