By james art 
On Sunday afternoon, former Wisconsin transfer guard Connor Eseghian was welcomed with open arms upon his return to the Cole Center.
In his first game in Madison since he transferred to the Nebraska Cornuskers program this spring, Essegian posted eight points and two rebounds in 23 minutes of action for Fred Hoiberg’s team. In the effort, he shot 3-of-10 from the floor and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc.
His point total was the second-most by Nebraska on the afternoon—a strong description of how Wisconsin’s 83-55 victory played out. Only one Cornhusker reached double figures, with the starting lineup combining for just 34 points.
After the contest, Essegian greeted several of his former Badger teammates in the postgame handshake line.
First, the Fort Wayne, Indiana native shared a few words and hugged his former head coach Greg Gard. He then greeted each of the UW assistant coaches before approaching the roster of active Badgers.
All the love to Connor Essegian.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/f9sqbvyokg
– Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) January 26, 2025
Essegian looked especially enthusiastic as he greeted veteran guards Kamari McGee and Max Klesmith before hugging sophomore star John Blackwell near the end of the handshake line. Eseghian didn’t leave the program with any ill will, and his interactions with his former teammates and mentors confirmed that sentiment.
Through 20 games with the Cornhuskers this season, Eseghian is responsible for 11.3 points per game on 42.4% from the field and 40.8% from the outside. He has carved out a role as one of the Big Ten’s premier bench assets this season and has scored 20 or more points in three games this season.