Wisconsin basketball recruiting: new offer out to 2022 G Connor Essegian

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team and head coach Greg Gard have been selective with the 2022 recruiting class so far. Until recently, the Badgers had only handed out nine total scholarships, with four to guard prospects.

On Monday afternoon, Greg Gard and assistant coach Dean Oliver made a big move by offering Albion, Ind. shooting guard Connor Essegian.

A 3-star prospect according to 247 Sports and unranked by Rivals, Essegian is listed at 6-foot-4 and holds other offers from Creighton, Minnesota, Wake Forest and a smattering of mid-major programs.

The Badgers have been monitoring the sniper from Indiana on the AAU circuit since the July evaluation period opened up, however, the offer still came as a bit of surprise considering their still favorable position with Rowan Brumbaugh in a projected small class. Regardless, expect the Badgers to be one of the top contenders for Essegian moving forward.

As a junior, Essegian average 25 points, seven rebounds, four assists and just over two steals a game while shooting 40% from three for Central Noble High School. He is very good at moving without the ball in his hands and has a quick shot release coming off of screens and on step-back jumpers from deep. Essegian does demonstrate an ability to finish above the rim in his highlights as well. It will be interesting to see how he is on the defensive end against quicker guards at the next level, but at this point, his strength is his shooting ability.

Things could escalate quickly with Essegian following the offer and recent visit to Wisconsin if more offers do not come soon. I expect the Badgers to prioritize him for the next few months as they look to bring in their first commitment for the class of 2022.