Badgers starter is heading to the SEC

TL;DR

Wisconsin Badgers' freshman forward/center Aleksas Bieliauskas has entered the transfer portal, surprising the team. Bieliauskas averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in his freshman season.

Key points

Aleksas Bieliauskas entered the transfer portal.
The decision surprised the Wisconsin Badgers.
Bieliauskas averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds this season.
He showed improvement as a shooter and defender.
Financial issues led to his departure.

Wisconsin BadgersAleksas Bieliauskas

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Rob Martin #3 of the High Point Panthers drives against Aleksas Bieliauskas #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Wisconsin Badgers got some surprising news earlier this offseason, as starting freshman forward/center Aleksas Bieliauskas announced he’d enter the transfer portal.

It was unexpected, as the Badgers wanted Bieliauskas back in the fold to have a strong frontcourt in 2026 with Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, and Will Garlock, but unfortunately, the financials couldn’t match, and the freshman elected to head elsewhere.

The 6’10, 240-pound big man averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds this season, while playing in 20.2 minutes per game. But he grew significantly as the season went along, getting comfortable as a shooter (34.6 percent from three), while improving defensively as well.

Well, Bieliauskas has found a new home: the South Carolina Gamecocks, according to his agency Gersh Sports. It’s an interesting fit under head coach Lamont Paris, as South Carolina was the worst rebounding team in the SEC this season, going 13-19 on the year.

He should carve out a bigger role on a Gamecocks team in need of size. Overall, Bieliauskas was ranked the No. 65 transfer in the portal by 247Sports.

The big was one of four Badgers to enter the transfer portal so far this season, joining John Blackwell, Jack Robison, and Riccardo Greppi.

Q&A

Why did Aleksas Bieliauskas leave the Wisconsin Badgers?

Aleksas Bieliauskas left the Wisconsin Badgers due to financial reasons, as the team could not match his needs.

What were Aleksas Bieliauskas' stats during his freshman season?

During his freshman season, Bieliauskas averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds while playing 20.2 minutes per game.

What impact will Bieliauskas' transfer have on the Badgers' 2026 season?

Bieliauskas' transfer could weaken the Badgers' frontcourt depth, as they were counting on him alongside other players like Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp.