Wisconsin Basketball Could Be Without a Key Starter vs. Minnesota

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Christian Borman | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 1:38 PM ET

The Wisconsin basketball team could be without one of its starters tonight as they take on the Minnesota Gophers at the Kohl Center, who are coming off of a loss to Ohio State.

Max Kelsmit suffered an ankle injury against Rutgers after he landed on Jeremiah Williams' foot while shooting the ball. The Wisconsin guard didn't return to the game and was seen wearing a walking boot at practice this week.

He has been considered day-to-day for much of the week, but his status for tonight's game may be in doubt.

According to CBS Sports Insider Jon Rothstein, Klesmit is 'questionable' for the game tonight.

Wisconsin's Max Klesmit (foot) is questionable for tonight's game against Minnesota, per a school spokesman.

Averages 10.5 PPG.

Badgers have won four straight.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 10, 2025

Gard met with the media earlier this week and discussed the impact of Klesmit potentially missing this game.

“We will have other people step up,” Gard told reporters. “We don’t need to replicate or duplicate exactly Max Klesmit. I just want these guys to be the best version of themselves and allow that to fit in with the flow of the team.”

Kamari McGee would likely be in line to start if Klesmit can't go.

Should Klesmit miss the game, it will break a streak of 67 straight starts for the Wisconsin native who also averaged over 30 minutes per game. Gard would have to lean on his depth more than he has so far this season if he can't go, possibly looking to true freshman Daniel Freitag or Camren Hunter to make up some of those minutes.

Wisconsin and Minnesota tip-off tonight at the Kohl Center at 6:00 pm on Peacock.

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers football and men's basketball by visiting AllBadgers.com for more updates.

Ready to join the community? Follow Athlon Sports on YouTube, Facebook, and X to join in on the conversation.

You can also follow Staff Writer Christian Borman at @ChristianBorman on X.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: