Wisconsin Badgers Eye Frontcourt Reinforcement for 2026‑27
The program has confirmed a single vacancy on its 2026‑27 roster, a spot that Coach Greg Gard hopes to fill with a sizeable presence in the paint. While the coaching staff has not named a specific target, Gard has indicated a preference for adding a frontcourt player who can stretch the floor and protect the rim.
To that end, assistant coach Lance Randall has been dispatched to Europe, where he is monitoring the FIBA U20 EuroBasket tournament. Head coach Joe Krabbenhoft is also slated to travel abroad to evaluate U20 and U18 competitions, seeking talent that could meet the Badgers’ needs.
Adding another international prospect is not without obstacles. Availability, agent negotiations, price tags and the ability of a player to secure the necessary clearance to leave his home country all present significant hurdles. The Badgers already maintain six international athletes on their 2026‑27 slate, and any new addition would join that cohort.
The conversation is further complicated by the NCAA’s evolving eligibility landscape. A proposed five‑in‑five model, which would permit athletes to extend their collegiate careers by a fifth year, has encountered legal challenges. An injunction filed in Ohio recently cleared the path for a subset of players to compete a fifth season, though the broader implications remain uncertain.
If the courts compel the NCAA to adopt the new framework, several current Badgers could benefit. Andrew Rohde and Braeden Carrington are among those who might secure a fifth year should the legal battle force a policy shift. Carrington, who continues to train with the current roster, has kept his intentions ambiguous, adopting a wait‑and‑see stance as the situation unfolds.
The roster currently lists five forwards, including returning standouts Nolan Winter, who posted the second‑most double‑digit rebounds in Big Ten play last season, and Austin Rapp, who averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting 36.4% from three‑point range. Freshman Isaac Riddle and transfer Victory Onuetu round out the group, though the staff has expressed a desire for an additional frontcourt option.
Wisconsin’s fall semester begins on September 3, a date that gives the coaching staff ample time to finalize additions before the first game. By contrast, Penn State’s academic calendar kicks off on August 24, underscoring the urgency of securing a player before the semester starts.
This is not the first time the program has entered a season with a thin frontcourt. The dismissal of Temple transfer Elijah Gray on October 28 left the 2025‑26 roster with six forwards, but only four saw meaningful minutes. The experience highlights both the volatility of roster construction and the depth of talent the Badgers must continually replenish.
Overall, the Badgers are navigating a complex recruitment landscape, balancing international scouting, legal uncertainties and the practical demands of a compressed timeline. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the team can secure the frontcourt piece Coach Gard envisions for the upcoming campaign.