The Wisconsin basketball team has lost another player to the transfer portal, as a former top recruit has decided to move on.
Reserve guard Daniel Freitag announced his departure from the program after limited playing time during his freshman season. Following Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament exit, Freitag met with head coach Greg Gard, who informed him that his role would likely remain the same next season.
Freitag joined the Badgers last offseason as a highly regarded high school recruit, and many within the program believed he had the potential to earn minutes in his first year. While he competed for playing time, he ultimately spent most of the season on the bench. Seeking a larger role, Freitag opted to enter the transfer portal in search of more opportunities.
Former Wisconsin Guard Daniel Freitag Enters Transfer Portal in Pursuit of More Playing Time
Wisconsin guard Daniel Freitag (5) takes a shot over Detroit Mercy guard Nate Johnson (10) during the second half of their matchup on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin secured a 76-53 victory.
The Badgers faced a crowded backcourt this season, and with the team reportedly seeking additional guards in the transfer portal, two players have already decided to move on.
Both Camren Hunter and Daniel Freitag struggled to find consistency in their roles, leading to inconsistent playing time throughout the year. While both players had higher expectations for their contributions, Wisconsin’s limited minutes made it difficult for everyone to carve out a significant role.
As Freitag prepared for his second season with the program, his path to meaningful minutes remained unclear. With John Blackwell, Jack Janicki, and potential incoming transfers set to lead the backcourt, Freitag’s role appeared limited.
Although his impact next season might not have been substantial, Freitag could have added valuable depth—something that played a key role in Wisconsin’s success this past season.
With Transfer Portal Movement Increasing, Wisconsin Basketball Staff Faces Tough Roster Decisions Annually
Wisconsin guard Daniel Freitag, right, watches from the bench alongside his teammates during the second half of their game on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The Badgers defeated Minnesota 80-59.
Some fans have reacted strongly to Freitag’s departure, blaming head coach Greg Gard for not giving the guard consistent playing time throughout the season. However, the situation is far more complex than it appears.
So without having any idea who said “players” will be you still tell him likely same role?
— Benjamin (@BDubJasper) March 31, 2025
On the other hand, some Wisconsin basketball fans see Freitag’s transfer as yet another example of the ever-evolving landscape created by the transfer portal. The guard is unlikely to struggle in finding a new opportunity, as more than 20 schools reached out within days of his decision. Among the top suitors are Big Ten rivals Iowa and Nebraska, as well as San Diego State.
Some of the schools PG Daniel Freitag says have reached out to him
Florida Atlantic, Buffalo, Valpo, Western Kentucky, George Mason, Iowa, Drake, Loyola-Chicago, Rhode Island, Marshall, UCSD, Long Beach State, Nebraska, Boston College, South Dakota State, Montana, San Diego St pic.twitter.com/TMnpZhqRFc
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) April 1, 2025
Freitag was heavily recruited out of high school, and now several programs—including multiple California schools—are taking another shot at landing him. Originally set to attend high school in California, Freitag made a late decision to return to Minnesota to complete his prep career.
With the transfer portal allowing players to explore new opportunities each season without penalty, retaining talent has become increasingly challenging for college programs. Without any guarantees of a larger role moving forward, Freitag chose to enter the portal in search of a situation that could offer more playing time.
Freitag was the highest-rated backcourt recruit that head coach Greg Gard had secured, but after entering the portal, a return to Madison seems highly unlikely. His departure was unexpected given the excitement surrounding his initial commitment, but the evolving nature of college basketball has made these types of moves more common.
As Evan Flood noted in a recent social media post, these transitions are simply the “nature of the beast” in today’s transfer-driven landscape. Every team, including Wisconsin, relies on the portal to find upgrades, and with thousands of players available, the opportunity to improve at each position is almost inevitable on paper. However, as seen with many high-profile transfers this past season, not all moves lead to immediate success on the court.
For the Wisconsin basketball staff, winning remains the top priority, and in today’s game, that often requires reshaping the roster year after year.
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