Nick Boyd finished the win against Iowa just one rebound short of the program's fourth ever triple-double. The San Diego State transfer notched 27 points, 10 assists and nine boards in of the most impressive showings for a Badger player ever. But while this one performance was exceptionally spectacular, Boyd has been Wisconsin's best player for much of the season, just like the last two big transfers coach Greg Gard has brought in.
Two years ago, Gard landed AJ Storr, who averaged 16.8 points per game with the Badgers. Last year was John Tonje, the All-American who just got drafted into the NBA. Now, Gard has found another gem in Boyd. So how does Gard continue to find these dominant players year after year?
Gard and the Badgers continue to dominate the transfer portal
While Gard and his staff certainly know how to identify good players, there may be an even better secret to getting such great transfers. Storr, Tonje and Boyd all came in with some moderate success at their previous homes, buy by no means were any of them stars. Storr averaged eight points per game at St. John's. Tonje's career average before joining the Badgers was eight points, and Boyd's career average was just 11 points per game before erupting for 20 per game with Wisconsin.
So even though Gard has the ability to identify some diamonds in the rough, his best ability may be getting the best out of his players in the practice facility. Gard has been a long respected coach in the Big Ten, but not so much on the national level. Wisconsin often flies under the radar despite the consistent success, but it's clear now that transfer recruits are starting notice.
After three straight seasons hitting the jackpot on a transfer, the 2026 Badger class might their best yet. For a transfer, it would be hard work to try and find a better program than turns players into stars than Gard and Wisconsin.