With a projection set for the Wisconsin basketball program, the final roster spot heading into next season for the Badgers could be filled.

Wisconsin has been working to finalize the roster and scholarships before truly putting a foot on the gas when it comes to preparing for the upcoming season. The Badgers have nearly retooled the entire roster, a now common practice due to the emergence and growth of the transfer portal. The portal has been both kind and unforgiving for Wisconsin but a final addition from the transfer pool could be just who the staff has been looking for.

Forward Elijah Gray, a former two-star Fordham signee, spent the greater part of his collegiate career with Fordham before transferring to Temple. Gray carved out a role for himself with the Owls, but due to injuries and a struggling team the forward was unable to fully showcase his skills. The forward does not have a ridiculous amount of experience playing the five, but could be a stretch player for the Wisconsin basketball program should he sign on.

The 6-foot-8-inch, roughly 235-pound forward is a dynamic and versatile athlete who has experience playing a variety of positions on the court. Gray has primarily been a roll and pop specialist, in particular this past season when the forward began to utilize plays more often. The forward is more than just a play specialist with an impressive three-point stroke and a certain tenacity while finishing at the rim that impresses coaches.

Wisconsin Basketball: Intriguing Final 2025-26 Roster Spot Potentially Filled 2 Mar 2, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard argues with a referee during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images

The Wisconsin basketball team has been closely tied to Gray since a report was released last month that placed the Badgers and Michigan State head-to-head in the battle for the forward.

However, with an expert prediction in hand, the Wisconsin basketball program appears to be the frontrunner and could already have an agreement in place. The transfer portal and impending changes to how NIL payments are distributed have led to holdups across the NCAA.

At this time, it is unknown regarding whether or not financial issues have led to Gray holding off from publicly announcing any recruiting updates. The introduction of a projection for Gray to commit to a program before too long is a positive sign, however, and could mean the Badgers are nearing an official agreement with the forward that could be in place before too long.

The Wisconsin basketball program has one scholarship slot for the upcoming season left to fill and there has been plenty of speculation as to who would fill the spot. Congolese forward Paul Mbiya had been a name who intrigued the Wisconsin staff, but the Euro League star quickly inked a signature with the Kansas Jayhawks basketball program.

Wisconsin Basketball: Intriguing Final 2025-26 Roster Spot Potentially Filled 3 Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard is shown during the first half of their game against Washington Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.