Wisconsin Basketball: Gard Gives Update on Essegian Injury

Wisconsin basketball defeated the Robert Morris Colonials on Friday night 78-68. As the Wisconsin Badgers struggled to put RMU away in the second half, one UW player was notably glued to the bench. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Wisconsin Basketball Coach Greg Gard Comments on Connor Essegian

In his post-game press conference, Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard was asked about Connor Essegian’s play. The sophomore guard saw fewer than seven minutes of playing time in the first half and did not play in the second half. Essegian finished with a plus/minus of -6. The Indiana native scored zero points and missed his only shot from the field.

Mar 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian (3) gestures after scoring a three-point goal during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Gard said, “Connor just has to get back in a rhythm.” However, the second half of Gard’s answer focused mainly on Essegian’s defensive deficiencies. Gard said the coaching staff will “continue to help [Essegian] be better at keeping the ball in front of him.” The nine-year head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers said bluntly, “you have to be able to guard. You have to be able to guard.”

Wisconsin Badgers Guard Connor Essegian Not Hampered by Injury

Notably, Gard’s comments put a large amount of focus on Essegian’s play rather than his injury. Essegian suffered a back injury in Wisconsin’s season-opener against Arkansas State. The former three-star prospect did not return to the game but has not missed a game since. However, his playing time has dropped dramatically from last season when he earned a spot in Gard’s starting rotation.

Nov 6, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; An athletic trainer helps Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian (3) up off the floor during the first half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Gard mentioned in his post-game comments that Essegian had been practicing “more consistently” over the past two days, implying that Essegian had been taking some time off during the week to manage his injury. In practice, Essegian has been taking reps on the scout team to “let him really run around and get the back loose,” but his back “is fine – he just needs to get back into a rhythm.”

Seemingly, Essegian’s struggles are not due to his injury, at least not directly. Perhaps, he needs to “just get back into a rhythm” that he fell out of due to not taking as many reps as usual during the week. Gard seems to be expecting a lot more defensively out of Essegian than he has seen so far.

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