Greg Gard and the Badgers are on a three-game skid after dropping their ninth straight to Illinois on Tuesday night. The team started 8-0, but are now searching for their first win in over two weeks. Still, despite the slump, the Badger head coach has said that freshman and four-star recruit Daniel Freitag won't become more involved.
"He's not ready to help us at this point in time," said Gard. "He's working. He's getting better. I think he is going to have a bright future here but there are so many guys in front of him who are more consistent day in and day out in all facets."
Freitag has only played a total of 11 minutes this season, all in garbage time. It's a little surprising considering many fans expected him to push for a starting role after it was announced former point guard Chucky Hepburn would be transferring. However, John Blackwell and Kamari McGee have played virtually every meaningful minute at point guard instead, leaving Freitag buried on the bench.
There's both good and bad takeaways from Freitag's lack of involvement. On one hand it's great that Wisconsin has great depth at guard. It would be extremely hard to bench either Blackwell or McGee based on their stellar play so far this season. On the other hand, as one of the highest rated point guard recruits in Badger history, it's a little discouraging that Freitag hasn't been able to carve out a bigger role.
In the end, he is still a freshman, and playing behind some very good guards. Not to mention there will be plenty of minutes available next year when is more ready. Hold off on hitting the panic button...for now.