Greg Gard improved his opening night record to 9-0 with a win against Holy Cross on Monday night. The Badgers looked very shakey in first half, even letting the Crusaders build up a 16-point lead at one point. But in the second half, things settled down and the Badgers went on to win by double-digits. Obviously some adjustments were needed, so where does the team go from here?
After the game, Gard mentioned that he isn't opposed to tweaking the lineups here and there in order to get the best group possible, especially with such a slow start in the first game.
"Just coming out and establishing ourselves better, even on the offensive end, I think that’ll help set the tone better," said Gard. "And if I need to mix and match lineups, I’m not ever opposed to doing that, but just starting better, starting faster."
He also appeared open to getting outside advice in a tongue-in-cheek response to the thought about changing the starting five.
"You have any ideas for me?" Gard quipped. "I think obviously I have people in position I felt have given us the best chance and been the most consistent. In terms of Kam McGee’s position, he gives us a heck of a boost off the bench like he did tonight. I think that’s the only one that I’ve jockeyed back and forth."
So while he was half-joking, it seems like Gard may end up messing around with the starting five and occasionally bump McGee up, and someone else down. McGee was outstanding off the bench against Holy Cross, posting a +35 plus/minus score for the game.
So it seems depending on the matchup, Gard may use several different combinations of a starting five. It's a testament to the Badgers' depth this year and hopefully will prove valuable down the stretch.