Wisconsin Coach Greg Gard Calls Out Big Man Steven Crowl After Loss to Illinois

In a disappointing turn of events for the Wisconsin basketball team, head coach Greg Gard expressed his frustration following a tough 86-80 loss to Illinois. The Badgers, who started the season strong but have now suffered three consecutive losses, were hoping for a much-needed victory on Tuesday night. However, the game did not go as planned, leading to Gard’s pointed comments about center Steven Crowl’s performance.

Gard’s Critique of Crowl’s Rebounding Performance

During the game, Steven Crowl, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 248 pounds, scored nine points but failed to grab a single rebound in his 19 minutes on the court. Gard’s disappointment was evident as he questioned how a player of Crowl’s size and position could have zero rebounds in a crucial game. This lack of presence on the boards was a glaring issue for the Badgers, especially against a strong rebounding team like Illinois.

Wisconsin’s Struggles and the Road Ahead

The loss to Illinois marks a significant downturn for Wisconsin, now standing at 8-3 for the season after an impressive 8-0 start. The team, once ranked No. 11 in the country, is now facing the possibility of dropping out of the rankings. Gard and his coaching staff are facing challenges beyond Crowl’s performance, as the team as a whole struggled with rebounding against Illinois.

Illinois dominated the boards, out-rebounding Wisconsin 40 to 29, showcasing their determination and hustle in securing possessions. This disparity in rebounding efficiency is a clear point of concern for Gard moving forward. With a tough matchup against Butler looming, the Badgers must address their rebounding woes and refocus their efforts in practice to compete at a higher level.

The Path to Redemption

As the team navigates a rough patch in their season, Gard must rally his players and instill a sense of urgency to address their shortcomings. Rebounding, in particular, will be a focal point for improvement as the Badgers aim to bounce back from their recent losses. Crowl’s performance may have been highlighted, but the entire team must elevate their game to overcome this challenging stretch.

In the face of adversity, Gard’s leadership will be tested as he seeks to inspire his players and reignite their competitive spirit. The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and hard work, Wisconsin can turn their season around and emerge stronger from this setback.