To many, the “splash move” of the Wisconsin Badgers' offseason was acquiring Miami Ohio transfer Eian Elmer. The 6-foot-6 wing is entering his senior season, spending his first three with the RedHawks, where he showed very steady improvement. Now, entering his final year of eligibility and a new situation, Elmer is expected to shoulder what will likely be the largest burden of his playing career to date.
Miami (OH) transfer Eian Elmer is currently on a visit to Wisconsin, source tells me.
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) April 14, 2026
The 6-6 junior from Kentucky averaged 12.7 PPG and 5.9 RPG. Shot 42.9% from three. pic.twitter.com/n0hS6ZJY7q
However, expectations for what he will bring may be a bit out of hand. Many fans expect Elmer to take a huge leap next season, filling the leading scorer void that guys like Nick Boyd, John Blackwell, John Tonje, and Johnny Davis have held in the past. Although it would be amazing if he could take that leap, it may be a bit outlandish based on where he currently stands as a player.
What He’s Shown
Last season at Miami Ohio, Elmer proved that he can contribute to winning basketball in an ancillary role. He did the majority of his damage as an off-ball shooter and point-of-attack defender, occasionally being asked to mix in some second-side creation for certain lineups. In that role, Elmer shined. He shot 42.9% from three on nearly five attempts a game, along with posting both a steal rate and block rate of 2.3%.
Spot on. Eian Elmer is not Doug Edert. He is a legit NBA prospect. He will get drafted in 2027. I have been saying this for months. Great to see the country get introduced to him tonight. Enjoy his six makes from deep. @DraftDeeper @DraftJunkyJames @JamesRInjuries @NBADraftWass https://t.co/4OsQTJyZc5 pic.twitter.com/qzUk6JXjnS
— JPR (@Scouting_Col) March 19, 2026
Many people have loved to point to the fact that he was stellar around the rim as well, converting 73.5% of his looks there as a sign that he has more to offer as a creator. However, just 23.9% of Elmer’s shot attempts came at the rim, a low attempt rate that comes with good reason.
For one, he isn't that creative as a ball handler. Most of Elmer’s downhill creation stems from attacking wild closeouts from a standstill generated by his shooting threat. He didn't showcase much nuance as a downhill attacker, mostly driving in straight lines to the basket and being easily turned away when faced with tight gaps or a looming rim protector.
Along with that, he isn't much of a passing threat either, posting an abysmal 6.1% assist rate last season. Some could argue that the low mark was just a result of him not being asked to table set, and while that may be true, it is also in part due to him not seeing the floor very well when he's put in creation scenarios.
How He Will Work
With all of that said, Elmer could still very easily be a great player for Wisconsin next season, and likely will be. Just because he likely won't be a 20-point-per-game guy who is in contention for an All-American spot doesn't mean that he won't bring immense value to the team on a night-to-night basis as a tertiary option.
There is also always the chance that he takes a huge step forward. Elmer has already showcased the ability to improve tenfold year to year, and could very easily do it again this season. However, for that to happen, he would have to take massive strides as a ball handler, passer, and decision maker in just one offseason, something that is likely unachievable.
In simple words, Elmer will be great in a Badger uniform, just not as great as some expect.
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