Badgers standout freshman to enter transfer portal
The Badgers are losing the biggest piece of their 2025 recruiting class.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: Aleksas Bieliauskas #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a three pointer against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during the semifinals of the 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Wisconsin Badgers were dealt a big blow on Monday when star guard John Blackwell entered the transfer portal. Another came as the portal opened on Tuesday, as forward Aleksas Bieliauskas plans to enter as well, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Bieliauskas, a native of Lithuania, joined the Badgers as a part of their 2025 freshman class last offseason. He immediately earned rave reviews from the coaching staff for his basketball IQ and seamless fit with the team’s offensive scheme, getting early minutes despite joining the team late. Bieliauskas entered the starting lineup midway through the season in place of Austin Rapp, and never gave up his starting spot after that, slotting in alongside Nolan Winter.
The freshman averaged 4. 9 points and 4. 4 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.
1 percent from the field and 34. 6 percent from three. But it was under the bright lights where Bieliauskas really shone.