Dick Vitale Praises Wisconsin Ahead of NCAA March Madness

ESPN analyst highlights Badgers' strong season and coach Greg Gard's leadership

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:22pm

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ESPN commentator Dick Vitale is expressing high praise for the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team and head coach Greg Gard as they head into the NCAA March Madness tournament. Vitale highlighted Wisconsin's impressive wins over ranked opponents like Illinois, Michigan, Purdue, and Ohio State, and called Gard a "veteran coach" who "deserves more positive PR." The Badgers have had a strong 24-9 season so far and will face Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals on Saturday.

Why it matters

Wisconsin has been a consistent contender in the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments under Gard's leadership, but often flies under the radar nationally. Vitale's public shoutout could help raise the Badgers' profile and build momentum heading into March Madness, where they will look to make a deep run.

The details

The Badgers have notched several high-profile wins this season, including a 91-88 victory over Michigan back in January. Wisconsin has continued its strong play in the Big Ten tournament, upsetting Illinois in the quarterfinals. Head coach Greg Gard credited his team's improved physical and mental toughness for the late-season surge, saying the relatively new roster has "grown immensely" over the course of the year.

  • The Badgers will face Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Wisconsin beat Michigan 91-88 on January 10, 2026 in Ann Arbor.

The players

Dick Vitale

An ESPN college basketball analyst and Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his enthusiastic commentary and catchphrases.

Greg Gard

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team, who has led the Badgers to the NCAA Tournament seven times in his eight seasons as head coach.

Wisconsin Badgers

The men's basketball team of the University of Wisconsin, a perennial contender in the Big Ten Conference and NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“A team to give some attention to in March Madness will be (Wisconsin). They have a # of big time wins over Illinois (2 times) Michigan, Purdue, Michigan St, OhioSt & UCLA ! Greg Gard (is a) veteran coach (who) deserves more positive PR baby.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Analyst (Twitter/X)

“I think it's a credit to them for how they recognized how we had to improve, and the improvement. There were things on the court, but there were probably as many things in our physical and mental makeup that we had to improve upon and grow through, and they've done that. It's been a joy to watch them come together, the chemistry, the connectivity. It just took us time because it's a relatively new group. Seven of the top eight or nine are new to our program.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers (on3.com)

What’s next

The Badgers will look to continue their strong play in the NCAA March Madness tournament, where they will aim to make a deep run and potentially surpass their previous best win total under Gard.

The takeaway

Dick Vitale's public praise of Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers could help raise the team's national profile heading into March Madness, where they will look to build on their impressive season and prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.