University of Wisconsin basketball sophomore Ben Carlson announced on Wednesday that he is entering the transfer portal.
The second forward has played 32 of the team’s 33 games this season, missing one because of the flu. He started two games – against Providence when Johnny Davis was injured, and the first loss against Michigan State when Tyler Wahl was out with an ankle injury.
— Ben Carlson (@ben_carlson20) March 30, 2022
Carlson averaged 1.6 points and 2.0 rebounds over 9.1 minutes this season. He scored a season-high six points on Jan. 27 in Nebraska.
He is the second UW player to enter the portal after Matthew Mors announced his intention to transfer on March 21. Reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis is expected to announce soon whether he will be drafted for the NBA or return to the Badgers. He is expected to leave, which would give UW three scholarship spots to be filled with Carlson’s announcement.
People also read…
Guard Connor Essegian has already signed to join UW next season and he will take Chris Vogt’s place. Vogt has exhausted his eligibility to play.
Carlson played in seven games in his freshman season before a back injury ended his season. In the 2020-21 season opener against Eastern Illinois, he had a career-high 13 points and added two rebounds, a block and an assist in 17 minutes.
According to 247 Sports, he was a four-star recruit from Woodbury, Minnesota. He averaged 24.3 points and 11.7 rebounds while leading East Ridge High School to a 20-7 record and a conference title his senior year.
Badgers fans cool off on Twitter after Wisconsin’s season ends with NCAA tournament loss to Iowa State
Fight to the end
Gave up 10 offensive rebounds, had no consistent offense and 17 turnovers. Badgers didn’t play the usual D. On the plus side, this team struggled all along. And so the chip is still there for next season. So, Badgers, “keep a positive attitude and go out of business.”
— Paul Yochum’63 (@PaulYochum63) March 21, 2022
Emotional ending
Exceeded pre-season expectations by a mile. Performing below expectations if recalibrated for the Nebraska game. End as heartbreaking as the 2004 NCAA loss to Pitt in Milwaukee b/c one of the best players in #badgers History probably played its last game.
— Rob Hernandez (@RobHernandezGLF) March 21, 2022
Easier said than done
A frustrating way to end the year. Nothing seemed to work. But when the season started in October, I would have been happy to have the Badgers in that position. Anything about Milwaukee Badger hosting NCAA games is never easy.
— Mike Kerry (@BadgerMike) March 21, 2022
Shocking turn of events
I look forward to one day reading the book about what happened to Steven Crowl in the last month or two. #badgers
— Robb Vogel (@RobbVogel) March 21, 2022
avert your eyes
That was maybe the worst college basketball game I’ve ever seen.
– Jeff Bruggink (@bru4pk) March 21, 2022
A numbers game
2/22 of 3. 29.8% off the field for the game. 16 turnovers and 14 field goals. Again no post play. Pushed out again. No help from the bank. Chuky’s injury pretty much ended the game. Awkward way to end the season. Bitter aftertaste after a dream season.
— Toni (@TStrobe78) March 21, 2022
bottom reached
This is the worst Badger performance I’ve seen in my 37 years of life. It can not be said otherwise. Great year but my goodness was so bad.
— Andrew Zimdars (@andrew_zimdars) March 21, 2022
give everything
This team persevered to the end. They gave their all and gave us a great season.
They also bricked enough 3’s to rebuild the Bradley Center.
— Craig Smith (@smithcp1) March 21, 2022
Enjoy the ride
I’m too sad to say much else. I’m not a fickle fan. I loved this team and hope to see Brad Davison coaching somewhere because wherever he coaches I’m a fan. Thank you for helping me enjoy the season and a winter in Wisconsin to survive.
— Kristi Conway-Powers (@NoodlesP29) March 21, 2022
Spiral down
Omigosh Jim. I’ve been pretty positive all season. That was miserable. Chucky got hurt and a snowball ensued. I mean. I love Isaac Lindsey. But you tricked him for the first time in 10 weeks?? Instead of cowering, they looked desperate
— Rob (@finleyr27) March 21, 2022
It’s only a matter of time
The way this team has excelled all season, in the end you just knew it would be due to the deficiencies that needed to be overcome. #OnWisconsin
— Kevin (@dcbadger7) March 21, 2022
Or ANY team
That was just brutal. You won’t beat many teams that shoot less than 10% from 3, less than 30% overall, and score 22 points in the entire second half.
— Joseph Britt (@Zathras3) March 21, 2022
Too much to overcome
1. Losing Chucky hurts. Good chance that we can win with him.
2. The state of Iowa has exhausted us.
3. Their offense had us running all over the place on defense.
4. Their pressure defense made us turn our backs on the basket. sales. Few simple/good looks. Again… Chucky is helping here.— Jon Bosworth (@BosworthJB) March 21, 2022
Timeskip
This game took basketball back 50 years.
—Jeff (@bluehighway15) March 21, 2022
Go out with a whimper
The worst loss of the year. Considering what was at stake. The Badgers year ended after they won the Big Ten. Tonight was miserable. Too many fouls, ball losses, missed threes, bad passing. So very disappointing. Chucky’s injury shook her. It didn’t make her improve.
— Mary Korn Erickson (@sixtiesfan) March 21, 2022
Look on the bright side
Hard to understand all the negativity. Our Badgers have given us such a fun season. You have surpassed. This game tonight was painful to watch. When Chucky got hurt, the whole team faltered. It was such a physical game. Iowa St. played better than us.
— Paula McAllister (@mrsmcal) March 21, 2022
Stuck in the mud
Losing Hepburn was a big deal, but way too many TOs and terrible shooting. I’d really like to see Bucky get more athletic, dribble way too much, and stand around on offense.
— Joel Schneider (@joelschneider25) March 21, 2022
Keep it moving
What a horrible end to a great regular season
21 missed threes and 17 turnovers – you hardly beat anyone with that
Our lack of depth came back to hurt us at our worst moment
Very difficult to watch
I hope Chucky recovers for next year
— chuckwestover (@chuckwestover) March 21, 2022
spoil a good thing
Just hard. It has been a pleasure to watch this year’s team surpass given the youth of the squad and the expectations coming into the year. They find a way to win this game if Chucky doesn’t go down with an injury.
— Colin Harrison (@TheFromaster) March 21, 2022
Stood still in their footsteps
Within the minute, Hepburn was injured. The lack of depth killed us today
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) March 21, 2022
value on full display
Didn’t realize the team depended so much on Chucky. They weren’t great in that game with him on the ground, but without him they were absolutely lost offensively.
— Paul Whitt (@pwhitt) March 21, 2022
Get local news in your inbox!