The Wisconsin basketball program has emerged as a late candidate to land a talented forward who is currently in the transfer portal.

Elijah Gray, a former two-star recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, committed to Fordham out of high school and spent two seasons with the program. After starting nine games two seasons ago, Gray transferred to Temple and found a solid role with the team before injuries kept the athlete off the court. Gray is a raw player who has shown flashes of real ability and potential at times, which could be just what the Wisconsin basketball staff is looking for.

Previously, Wisconsin found former star guard John Tonje coming out of Missouri after the athlete suffered a season-ending knee injury. Tonje seemed like he was finally putting everything together, but did not have someone who knew where are the pieces needed to land. Gray is a player in a very similar situation and could be a player who breaks out in a similar way, but perhaps not at the same caliber.

Both Illinois and Michigan State have also been reportedly in contact with the forward, which could make for an intriguing recruiting battle.

Wisconsin Basketball: Top 2026 SF Target Transfers Out of State to Bella Vista Prep 2 Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard reacts during the second half against the Montana Grizzlies in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Currently, the Wisconsin basketball staff has one scholarship roster spot remaining, which in the past has been filled with international players but this time could be held by an incoming transfer.

The Badgers rounded out most of the roster previously during the heat of the portal season, but have since cooled off while searching for a final player. Wisconsin has limited resources remaining as the entire roster has nearly been put together, which has made for an extensive search to find the most for what the staff has left.

Enter Gray, and the Wisconsin basketball staff could have just the man the team needs as the forward can do a bit of everything on offense. Gray is a talented scorer who does the most of his damage at the rim or anywhere beyond the arc. The forward is also one of the better roll and pop players in the country, molding the majority of his looks around roll and pop plays.

Defensively, Gray is not an incredible defender by any means but can make exceptional plays at times due to his athleticism. The forward tends to foul when getting beat, which has become a habit that preemptively sends opposing players to the foul line.

Wisconsin Basketball Becomes Big Late Candidate to Land Former Temple Forward 3 Memphis’ Dain Dainja (42) guards Temple’s Elijah Gray (22) as he drives to the basket during the game between Temple University and the University of Memphis at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, February 9, 2025.