size, shooting touch, and a late-blooming Badger role
In the 2024-25 season, Markus Ilver was a low-minute Wisconsin forward whose value came from his 6-foot-9 size, floor-spacing potential, and growing understanding of Greg Gard’s system; Gard said he had “earned the opportunity” to play more because he can make shots and brings length and experience. He has steadily increased his role over four seasons in Madison, but his fit is best as a stretch frontcourt piece rather than a high-usage scorer, so he makes sense for teams that want a smart, skilled, low-maintenance forward.
