Greg Gard and the Badgers have already been very active in the transfer portal, locking in commitments from four players this month. But now a former target and a Madison native is back in the portal, so could Wisconsin make another move?
Madison native and former USC commit Keonte Jones has re-entered the portal just weeks after first committing to the Trojans he announced on social media.
Wisconsin may add Madison native Keonte Jones after re-entering the portal
The Cal State Northridge guard averaged 13.1 points, 9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, and was initially on the Badgers' short list before he committed to USC. Now he's back on the market, but will Wisconsin still be interested?
It's complicated. A lot has changed since their initial interest in Jones. Gard and company have signed four players in the portal: Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp, Nick Boyd and Braeden Carrington. So while the team may still like Jones, whether there is room, or more importantly, funds available, is another story. Wisconsin could still use another experienced wing to pair with Rohde, so the fit is still there, but the Badgers may no longer have the money to get something done.
Wisconsin will probably still add another player to the roster before the season begins, but it will most likely be a walk-on. There is still a possibility they can work something out with Jones, and it would give the Badgers much needed experience at the wing. Maybe Jones is willing to take somewhat of a hometown discount, or Gard can work his recruiting magic. Either way it would be a huge get if they can lock down Jones.