By james art 
WisConsin Badgers (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten) return home after a trip to California. They return to the Kohl Center court on Sunday afternoon against the struggling team of NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS (12-7, 2-6 Big Ten).
The most important storyline that enters the game is Wisconsin’s desire to restore its performance after its seven-wins series ended in UCLA. Another is a return: Sunday will be the first match of Nebraska defender Connor Essegian against his previous program.
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Essegian went to Cornhuskers last out of season after two years with Badgers. Initially, he joined the program as a rookie with three stars in class 2022.
Born in Albion, Indiana, he distinguished himself as a freshman in Wisconsin, playing an average of 27.4 minutes per game and scoring 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 40.4% firing and 35.9% of three. However, his role decreased as a sophomore in 2023-24, as Greg Guard reworked his rotation around the transfer guard AJ Store and the newcomer John Blackwell. These total results of the match dropped to only 7.3 minutes, 3.2 points and 0.8 rebounds at 38.5% firing and 30% of three.
Essegian entered the transfer portal after the end of the 2023-24 season. He then committed himself to a program in Nebraska with a clear way to playing time and further development, variables that turned out to be true. Currently, the shooter has an average of 22.8 minutes, 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 43.1% shooting and 41.5% from three to 19 games. This sum of points is good for the third in the team.
Large 3️⃣ for Connor Essegian 💪 @Huskermbb #B1gmbball on BTN 📺 pic.twitter.com/lw8bance9
– Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@b1gmbball) January 23, 2025
The rotation of the Wisconsin guard exceeds after leaving Essegian. Max Clezmit, Blackwell, John Tonzhe and Camari McGeus were a significant driving force behind the strong start of the team season.
Meanwhile, Essegian and Chuckie Hepburn (Louisville) have achieved undeniable success in their new destinations. Hey, Jay Store, now in Kansas, is still working to establish a consistent role.
Keeping Essegian under control will be key to WisConsin’s chances for winning Sunday. Nebraska started the season with 7-0 when he overshadowed 10 points. This series has recently ended as Cornhuskers have already lost five consecutive games, although the shooter scored a two -digit number of goals in three of them.
Guard touched on the game of Essegian at a media meeting on Friday, including what Wisconsin should do to keep him under control.
“He has a quick trigger, the ball comes out of his hand just as he did when he was here,” Gard said. “He is the recipient of Bris Williams and Juvan Gary, of those guys who play with the ball in their hands and find him. You have to pay attention to him, you can’t lose him. It moves well without a ball. [I’ve seen] Many of the same things we saw here.
My man @_Johnblackwell1 To fight on Sunday🤞🏽🔥
– Connor Essegian (@Cessegian) January 24, 2025
Wisconsin and Nebraska will come out at 1:00 pm, Lunch CT. There is a great chance shooting for three points per eisegian or the lack of one to determine the end result of the match.
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