Wisconsin Basketball Portal Target Makes Decision on Transfer Destination

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 4/23/24

Greg Gard and the University of Wisconsin basketball program received the final verdict on the recruitment of their top transfer portal wing target, and let’s just say it’s not the outcome the Badgers were hoping for.

Frankie Fidler, who visited campus several weeks ago, had Wisconsin basketball in his top four schools alongside Nebraska, Creighton, and Michigan State. Unfortunately, after pushing back his commitment, the First Team All-Summit wing chose to join Tom Izzo in East Lansing.

Spartyyyyy let’s do itt!!! pic.twitter.com/7eB5Qb2f82

— Frankie Fidler (@FrankieFidler_) April 23, 2024

The 6-foot-7 junior wing averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season for the Mavericks. Fidler also shot 35.6% from beyond the arc on 4.4 attempts a night and was in the top 10 nationally in free throws made.

Wisconsin basketball was once thought to be the leader in the clubhouse for Fidler’s services. But that was before he visited Michigan State and also when his former high school teammate Chucky Hepburn was still on the roster. Once Hepburn entered the transfer portal, the writing was on the wall, forcing the Badgers to pivot to other targets.

The Badgers are involved with a handful of players in the transfer portal but are currently facing an uphill battle in the NIL arms race to replace the production Wisconsin basketball got from Hepburn and AJ Storr last season. By all accounts, finding an experienced stretch four to step into Tyler Wahl’s role is the program’s top priority at the moment.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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