What Wisconsin Basketball Coach Greg Gard Said After Victory Over Holy Cross
After the Wisconsin basketball team won their opening game over Holy Cross, head coach Greg Gard met with the media in his postgame press conference.
Gard covered various topics in his 13-minute press conference.
Wisconsin Turns Up the Defensive Intensity After a Slow Start
(1:28 - 2:29)
One of the first things Gard was asked was about the defensive intensity and how it helped turn the tide of the game. Gard mentioned that his team was not physical enough to start the game, noting they had just two fouls fairly late in the first half.
Gard also credited Kamari McGee for his effort off the bench and that others fed off of him, helping force some tougher shots and turnovers, helping change the momentum of the game.
Attacking the Rim After Cold Start From Three
(3:38 - 4:13)
The Badgers started the game just 1-10 from three, a big reason the team was in a hole early.
After the cold start, the Badgers had to change their offensive strategy to get higher percentage shots while also drawing fouls to get to the free throw line.
Is This What We Should Expect This Season?
(4:17 - 5:52)
Gard was asked about whether or not the start of the season would be like a rollercoaster until they can figure out roles for all the players after a season with so much turnover.
Gard mentioned that the Wisconsin basketball program is not the only one going through this situation, in fact, he feels every program is going through it. With the new reality of transfers and NIL, all teams are going to have to learn on the fly and essentially 'restart' building chemistry every year.
Will Gard Stick Stay Consistent With the Starting Lineup?
(5:55 - 9:21)
When asked if he will stay consistent with his starting lineup as he has in the past, Gard went into great detail as to why starting lineups don't necessarily need to change.
He specifically mentioned backup guard Kamari McGee, talking about his boost off the bench and what he provides to the team. He's the only player he's really been typing with the idea of putting in the starting lineup, but he's been valuable coming off the bench.
Regardless of the starting lineup, teams in college basketball need to 'come together' to play and it isn't all about talent. Teams that play together with chemistry will be successful.
Do the Starters Need to Provide More Intensity?
(9:26 - 11:43)
After Gard mentioned McGee providing a spark off the bench, he was asked about the starting unit providing more intensity.
Gard mentioned it's a player-driven thing. They are the ones that need to do that, it's not up to the coaches.
But he did take some blame for the fast start by Holy Cross, mentioning they mislabeled Gabe Warren as a 'non-shooter' because he had never done that. They were focused on Joe Nugent, who led the conference in three-point percentage last year.
Isaac Gard Hits His First Shot
(11:46 - 13:55)
The press conference ended on a light note with Gard being asked about his son, Isaac Gard, hitting his first career shot.
Gard was obviously proud of his son, mentioning how with his job, he wasn't always able to be present and that he's enjoying the time he has with him now.
He also jokingly mentioned that Isaac's mom was not in attendance tonight, so she'll probably be 'pissed' that she missed it.
You can watch the entire Greg Gard availability right here:
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