Gard named to Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List
February 21, 2025 | Men's Basketball
UW head coach is one of 15 named to national list
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin men's basketball head coach Greg Gard earned national recognition on Friday as he was one of 15 coaches named to the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year Watch List presented by AXIA Time.
It marks the second time in four years that Gard has appeared on the watch list as he was named to the late-season list during the 2022 season.Â
Gard has led Wisconsin to a 21-5 record this season, which matches the best start during his 10-year tenure and the fifth-best 26-game start in program history. The Badgers have soared up the rankings this season as UW checks in at No. 11 in the latest AP Poll and in the NET while the team is No. 7 in the KenPom rankings. Wisconsin currently sits in third place in the Big Ten Conference after being picked 12th in the preseason polls.Â
The Badgers have claimed two wins over top-10 teams this season, a win at No. 7 Purdue on Feb. 15 and a triumph against No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15, 2024. UW now has 14 wins over top-10 teams under Gard.
A native of Cobb, Gard picked up his 200th win leading the Badgers earlier this year and his 207 wins rank fourth in program history. His .608 conference win percentage ranks seventh-best among Big Ten coaches of the last 45 years. He has led UW to Big Ten titles in two of the last five seasons and NCAA tournament berths in seven of the last nine years.Â
The Badgers look to extend their winning streak to six games on Saturday with an 11 a.m. contest against Oregon. The game is sold out, but fans can purchase tickets on SeatGeek or watch live on FOX.Â
