Wisconsin HC Greg Gard issues warning to struggling big man Steven Crowl

The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team is on a three-game losing streak and something needs to change as soon as possible. In the recent loss to Illinois, the Badgers were dominated around the glass, which was unacceptable.

Head coach Greg Gard didn't hesitate in calling out center Steven Crowl, who somehow didn't post a single rebound in 19 minutes of action. That's something that can never be the case for Crowl moving forward if he wants to see significant playing time.

Gard doubled down on things, making it clear to his big man that he needs to be aggressive when going after boards. If he doesn't show more fight, Gard won't hesitate in sending him to the bench and keeping him there.

Greg Gard is urging Steven Crowl to be more aggressive for Wisconsin

"I have options because I can sit him down, which I did the other night," Gard said. "If I don't like what I see he won't play. He knows that and he wants that. He wants to be held accountable. It's a matter of go get the job done."

Gard didn't mince words there. He's holding Crowl accountable and the good news here is that Crowl is hoping to deliver for this team. So far in 2024, he hasn't been producing, which is a major concern. During the first eight games of the year, Wisconsin was perfect and ranked No. 11 in the country.

Everything has gone south since then, though, with losses to Michigan, Marquette and Illinois being posted. Come Saturday, Wisconsin needs to take care of business on the road against Butler. There will be no excuses for this team, especially Crowl.

He needs to have a bounce-back game and take what Gard said seriously. If he doesn't show the kind of passion Gard is looking for, however, then a long stay on the bench could be on the way for him. Fans are hoping that won't be the case.