Three Recent Transfer Portal Entries That Fit With Wisconsin

With the transfer portal in full swing a week away from its official opening, Wisconsin basketball is preparing for what should be an eventful ride.

The Badgers should be prepared to fill at least five spots, a number could very well grow depending on the decisions of several key players. Either way, head coach Greg Gard and company have their work cut out for them, as they're set to re-tool at least a third of their roster.

By now, hundreds of players announced their intentions to enter the portal every day despite the fact that it remains officially closed until April 7. Thus, plenty of intriguing prospects have already hit the open market, seeking new programs.

Here's a rundown of a few recent transfer portal entries that make sense as potential Wisconsin targets:

1. Malik Mack, PG (Georgetown)

Former Georgetown Hoyas guard Malik Mack. | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The Badgers' top priority is guard help, even if star John Backwell does elect to run it back in Madison for his senior season. And more specifically, Wisconsin needs a point guard — someone who can facilitate the offense.

Enter Malik Mack. He was a freshman with Harvard before transferring to Georgetown, and he enjoyed two very productive years with the Hoyas the past two seasons. In 2025-26, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He did shoot just 30 percent from distance, but in his first two years of college ball he shot more around 35 percent; that shouldn't be a huge concern.

Mack's passing skills are a huge plus, and he's averaged over four assists per game in all three years of college. That's a skill the Badgers need, and his experience as a grizzled veteran is also very attractive. It's going to take a lot to replace Nick Boyd, but doing so with anther seasoned guard would be wise.

2. Devin Royal, F (Ohio State)

Former Ohio State Buckeyes forward Devin Royal. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wisconsin has only ever signed one transfer from the Big Ten under Greg Gard: forward Micah Potter from Ohio State. The Badgers could once again be an excellent fit for another forward from Columbus, rising senior Devin Royal.

Now, though Royal is listed as a forward, he's 6-foot-6 and would likely play the two or three spot in the Badgers' lineup. He averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season.

Royal would be another extremely experienced addition, as he has 96 career games and 59 career starts under his belt. He's also improved as a three-point shooter each year, going from 15 to 28 to 32 percent last season.

Royal brings length, size, scoring, rebounding and a budding ability to shoot the three, not to mention a wealth of experience in the Big Ten. There's not much not to like here.

3. Dillan Shaw, Wing (St. Mary's)

Saint Mary's Gaels guard Dillan Shaw. | James Snook-Imagn Images

We'll go with a mid-major player here, and someone far less experienced than the other two names on this list: former Gael Dillan Shaw.

The 6-foot-7 wing, who earned a spot on the West Coast Conference All-Freshman team in 2025-26, has plenty of intriguing tools. He averaged 7.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 27.5 minutes. Shaw quickly developed into a regular for St. Mary's, starting every game from Dec. 19 until the end of the season.

The trait Wisconsin might like the most? Shaw also shot 42 percent from distance on 3.8 attempts per game. With that kind of shooting ability at that size, the wing could give the Badgers all kinds of positional flexibility.

The last time Wisconsin signed a former WCC All-Freshman player (Austin Rapp), it worked out pretty well. Shaw should be highly coveted, but this would make plenty of sense for the Badgers.