Breaking down all 3 of Wisconsin’s additions in the transfer portal

Victory Onuetu

This one hit early on Saturday and sent Wisconsin fans to Google, as Victory Onuetu wasn’t on anyone’s portal shortlist for the Badgers.

A sturdy 6’10” rising senior out of Hofstra, Onuetu averaged 4.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1 block a game on 56.6 percent shooting last season for Hofstra, including a nice game against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament, with 4 points and 9 rebounds.

This is not the type of big that Gard has favored recently. I doubt you’ll see many 3-point attempts from him. But he’s the style of player Gard has *needed:*a willing rebounder and rim protecting bench guy who can make things difficult for opponents inside the lane.

I was very pleased when I learned of this signing from a complimentary Sam Dekker social media post, and, like Dekker, I’m excited to see what Onuetu brings to the Badgers.

Eian Elmer

Eian Elmer was announced later on Saturday and, by all indications, the 6’6″ rising Senior is the crown jewel of this transfer class.

Arguably the best player on his talented Miami (OH) squad, Elmer’s stat line was impressive: 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with a 42.9 percent clip from 3-point range. These skills should translate nicely to a huge role in Greg Gard’s up-tempo offense that favors floor spacing and shooting.

It’s extra impressive that Elmer has never shot below 40 percent from 3-point range, going 40.3 percent as a freshman to 40 percent as a sophomore, and 42.9 percent as a junior with the Redhawks. Gard has to be salivating, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Elmer average 20+ points per game with Wisconsin.

While I don’t think he’s going to be nearly the slasher that John Tonje was for the Badgers, it’s easy to be excited about how Elmer’s game might expand in the Wisconsin offense. His free throws went up massively as a junior from 54 attempts to 99, so there’s room for growth here, and he shot them at an improved 75.8 percent clip this past season. This is simply a huge get for Gard.