Wisconsin Basketball Pursuing NAIA National Player of the Year

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 substantially 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 of college basketball 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 — at least 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.