Greg Gard Preaching Patience as Wisconsin Badgers Rebuilds its Roster
Wisconsin Badgers head basketball coach Greg Gard is calling for patience as the program undergoes a significant roster overhaul ahead of the upcoming college basketball season. Following key player departures and the arrival of new talent, Gard has made it clear that this is a period of transition — and success won’t come overnight.
In a recent press conference, Gard acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but emphasized his belief in the team’s long-term potential. “This is a process,” he said. “We’re building something sustainable. That takes time, and it takes trust — from our players, our staff, and our fans.”
The Badgers, who have long been a staple of consistency in the Big Ten, are entering uncharted waters. Veteran leaders like Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn have moved on, leaving behind a void in both leadership and production. Meanwhile, incoming freshmen and transfers are still finding their footing in Gard’s system.
“This is one of the younger teams I’ve had,” Gard said. “There’s a lot of talent, but with youth comes a learning curve. We’re not going to rush that.”
Wisconsin’s 2024–25 roster features several new faces, including highly rated recruits and a few transfer players looking for fresh starts. Among the most notable additions is combo guard Jayden Vaughn, a four-star recruit whose versatility and athleticism have already generated excitement among fans and coaches alike. Joining him are two experienced transfers from mid-major programs, expected to bring maturity and depth to the squad.
But Gard has warned against setting expectations too high, too quickly.
“These guys need time to gel. It’s not just about knowing the playbook — it’s about understanding how to play together, how to respond under pressure, and how to adapt to the Big Ten grind,” he explained. “We’re laying a foundation.”
That foundation, Gard hopes, will lead to not just one good season, but a sustained period of competitiveness. He pointed to the program’s strong culture, dedicated staff, and passionate fanbase as reasons for optimism, even in the face of uncertainty.
Wisconsin fans have grown accustomed to competing for Big Ten titles and making regular NCAA Tournament appearances. That history of success has made the current rebuild more visible — and more scrutinized. Still, Gard is confident that the path forward is the right one.
“I understand people want results,” he said. “So do we. But if we focus on the day-to-day, on getting better every practice, the results will follow. We have to stay committed to the process.”
Behind the scenes, team workouts and scrimmages have already begun. Players are reportedly buying in, pushing each other, and showing signs of chemistry. Though it’s early, Gard says he likes what he sees.
“This team wants to work,” he said. “They want to prove themselves. And that’s the first step.”
