Madison, WI – As Wisconsin basketball steps into 2025 with an 11-day break, the team is not without its challenges stemming from this time off. Head coach Greg Gard faces a tough schedule ahead with 18 Big Ten matchups, but he has lost a valuable frontcourt player during the break.
After starting December with three consecutive losses, the Badgers managed to secure victories over Butler and Detroit Mercy. Despite these wins, the earlier losses may have more significant implications, as UW has fallen to 0-2 in Big Ten play for the first time in over twenty years.
Coach Gard now has to navigate these difficulties without his full roster. An injury sustained during practice has resulted in a loss of depth at the center position.
Riccardo Greppi Expected to Miss “Some Time” Due to Injury
Following Thursday’s practice, Riccardo Greppi was seen using a crutch. Gard reported that the freshman suffered an injury during a four-on-four transition drill when he was involved in a rebounding situation. However, the prognosis turned out to be better than initially feared.
Gard, a two-time Big Ten coach of the year, explained, “Fortunately, it’s not as serious as we first thought. He will be out for some time, but it won’t require surgery. While he was hit hard and went down, we’re relieved the situation isn’t serious. He’ll need some time to heal, but the update we received from our doctors is more positive than our initial assessment of the incident.”
Impact of Riccardo Greppi’s Injury on Wisconsin Basketball
Greppi was a recent addition to the Badgers’ 2024 recruiting class after a previous commitment fell through due to “paperwork issues.” Since his arrival, he has played in five games, with his last performance against Detroit Mercy yielding a point, two rebounds, an assist, and a block in just five minutes.
While Greppi’s absence won’t disrupt the flow of Gard’s practices, it will limit his opportunities for development. Gard stated, “He has a long way to go in terms of development, which won’t happen quickly. Part of that involves continuing to improve his body composition and gaining strength. He’s stronger than when he arrived; I’m not sure if he had access to a weight room before coming here. [Strength and conditioning] Coach [Jim] Snider has a significant task ahead in making him really strong, focusing on functional strength, which is crucial for his progress.”
