Badgers starter is heading to the SEC
One Wisconsin starter has found his next home.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Rob Martin #3 of the High Point Panthers drives against Aleksas Bieliauskas #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Wisconsin Badgers got some surprising news earlier this offseason, as starting freshman forward/center Aleksas Bieliauskas announced he’d enter the transfer portal. It was unexpected, as the Badgers wanted Bieliauskas back in the fold to have a strong frontcourt in 2026 with Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, and Will Garlock, but unfortunately, the financials couldn’t match, and the freshman elected to head elsewhere.
The 6’10, 240-pound big man averaged 4. 9 points and 4. 4 rebounds this season, while playing in 20.
2 minutes per game. But he grew significantly as the season went along, getting comfortable as a shooter (34. 6 percent from three), while improving defensively as well.
Well, Bieliauskas has found a new home: the South Carolina Gamecocks, according to his agency Gersh Sports. It’s an interesting fit under head coach Lamont Paris, as South Carolina was the worst rebounding team in the SEC this season, going 13-19 on the year. He should carve out a bigger role on a Gamecocks team in need of size.