Wisconsin's Basketball Program Takes Another Major Blow
The Wisconsin Badgers basketball program is bleeding talent.
Wisconsin and Greg Gard were humiliated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by James Madison, and it's the latest season to come to a brutal end. The team's last Sweet 16 appearance was in 2017.
Fans have had enough, and the outrage is boiling over. Another problem fans have feared is a mass exodus of talent with the program racing towards consistent mediocrity, and it appears that might happen.
Wisconsin star AJ Storr is entering the NBA Draft. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
AJ Storr announces he's entering the NBA Draft.
Following news Connor Essegian, whose talent was squandered in his sophomore year, was entering the transfer portal, Wisconsin's best player AJ Storr announced he was entering the NBA Draft, while also maintaining his eligibility. The electric guard/forward averaged just under 17 points a game this season.
Storr announced the following, in part, on Instagram and in a statement to On3.com:
To the incredible fans of the Wisconsin Badgers, as I sit down to write this message, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the University of Wisconsin. This journey as a student athlete has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. The unwavering support, guidance, and opportunities I’ve received from this community have been truly amazing. Joining this program under Coach Gard has been a dream come true. It’s been my lifelong ambition to play basketball at the highest level, I find myself at a pivotal moment. I have decided to engage and experience the NBA draft process, all while maintaining my college eligibility. To my family, your unwavering support and encouragement helped keep alive my dream of one day playing in the NBA.
You can see his full draft announcement below, and hit me with your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
The interesting part about this decision from Storr is that he's not going to be a high draft pick. His best case scenario is being a very late first round pick.
The more realistic scenario is to be a second round pick or not get drafted at all. Yet, he's apparently more willing to test that scenario than stay in Madison.
Storr was incredibly non-committal on his future after the Badgers lost to JMU. He made it clear all options were on the table, and given this announcement, I'd say there are two realistic options:
Stay in the draft or transfer.
Has AJ Storr played his last game for the Wisconsin Badgers? (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Fans are going to revolt even more if Storr decides to return to college, but leaves Madison. It will be a direct indictment of Greg Gard. Fans already had to watch Connor Essegian fall off the map after an incredible season, and there's now a very real chance AJ Storr is gone.
It's even crazier when you consider he's not a premier NBA prospect right now.
Wisconsin guard/forward AJ Storr enters the NBA Draft (Photo by Dustin Satloff/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
It appears it's going to be a brutal offseason for Wisconsin. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.