Former Wisconsin guard Connor Essegian had a career outing in Nebraska‘s 96-79 win over South Dakota on Wednesday.
The former Badger transfer went off for 29 points, five assists and two rebounds on 10-of-22 shooting and 6-of-15 from 3. The 29 points best his previous career high of 24 points during Wisconsin’s overtime loss to Michigan on Feb. 26, 2023.
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The game marked a further increase in minutes and usage for the junior guard. His 33 minutes off the bench were the most of any game this season, and the most for any Nebraska player in the win — even starters.
Essegian’s big outing pushes his season averages to 21.5 minutes per game, 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 44.4% shooting and 37.8% from three.
Connor Essegian was hoopin’. 😤 pic.twitter.com/gaxBRfCK1x
— Blackshirts (@blvckshirts) November 28, 2024
Essegian is one of many former Badgers having strong seasons elsewhere. A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn are having big impacts at Kansas and Louisville, respectively.
Of all of Wisconsin’s offseason departures, Essegian’s made the most sense. His playing time plummeted from his freshman to sophomore season at Wisconsin, dropping from 27.4 minutes and 11.7 points per game to 7.3 and 3.2, respectively. He has found a sizable role for a strong Nebraska group. His playing time and usage is back to the level from that breakout freshman campaign.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is off to a program-best 8-0 start. Greg Gard boasts a deep backcourt rotation of Max Klesmit, John Tonje, John Blackwell, Kamari McGee and Jack Janicki. It has not even incorporated top freshman Daniel Freitag and transfer Camren Hunter.
Essegian would likely still have been lost in a crowded rotation with the Badgers. His playing time and production with the Cornhuskers ensures all parties are finding success in this case — an uncommon reality in today’s age of player movement.
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