Markus Ilver Forced His Way Into the Badgers Rotation

The Badgers junior forward has earned an expanded opportunity.

Wisconsin basketball junior Markus Ilver took the road less traveled this offseason, and it's starting to pay off for the Badgers forward. 

Rather than enter the transfer portal in pursuit of expanded opportunity, Ilver had an honest discussion with head coach Greg Gard. The stretch forward from Estonia loved Madison and felt it was the best place to develop his game — but Ilver also wanted to earn playing time. 

"We had a discussion last spring; he [Ilver] loved the place, but he wanted to play," Gard told reporters. "I said, hey, you're trending in the right direction; keep working. It's up to you. 

"He wanted to stay. He said I love everything about this place. I just gotta get myself where I can play more, and he's trending in the right direction." 

Markus Ilver Earned a Spot in the Rotation

Markus Ilver's decision to remain with the Wisconsin basketball program in the offseason is starting to yield results.