As the college basketball season approaches, uncertainty looms over several programs, including Wisconsin, regarding player eligibility for the 2026-27 season. With Big Ten Media Days recently concluded, teams are preparing for exhibition games, but many, like LSU, are uncertain about the eligibility of parts of their rosters.
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Wisconsin is particularly focused on guard Braeden Carrington, who spent his fourth year of college basketball in Madison after prior stints at Minnesota and Tulsa. Carrington could be a significant asset to a Badgers roster already regarded as deep and defensively enhanced. Last season, he averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, while shooting 40.1% from three-point range on 5.1 attempts per game, making him Wisconsin's top three-point shooter.
“We’re optimistic about his eligibility,” coach Greg Gard remarked at a local media day, noting that Carrington has been actively involved with the team. However, uncertainty remains, particularly with a court hearing about his eligibility delayed until October 20. This situation forces Wisconsin to grapple with the potential loss of a vital player.
Gard acknowledged the challenges of the current basketball landscape, stating that adapting to roster changes is now essential. “The transient nature of the roster has helped me modify my approach. We anticipated some challenges with Braeden’s situation. Regardless of the outcome on the 20th, we’re ready for it,” Gard said. Despite the unpredictability, Wisconsin has devised a plan to address all scenarios regarding Carrington's status, although definitive clarity may not come until shortly before the season begins.