Wisconsin Basketball: Kobe King Made Right Decision For Himself

As the controversy continues surrounding the Wisconsin Basketball program and Kobe King, it’s clear King made the right decision for himself.

*For transparency purposes, it’s important to note that I’m an alumni from La Crosse Central High School, the same high school Kobe King attended. And, although I do not know King personally, I would be naïve to say my opinion on the matter is completely objective.

Getting that out of the way, we’ve continued to learn more information in the coming days since King announced his transfer from the Wisconsin Basketball program. It’s been a rough week overall for the Badgers as Dairyland Express co-expert Paul Bretl points out, given starting guard Brad Davison will also be suspended for one game by the Big Ten.

King has been dragged through the mud on social media and labeled a quitter by some fans and ex-players. However, current players like Nate Reuvers have come to King’s aide.

King’s reputation in La Crosse and Madison is not one of a quitter. He’s a down-to-earth person with a great work ethic. Look no further than the transformation his body has gone through since he arrived in Madison as evidence of his hard work. His on the court performance has also seen a sizable jump from last season to this season.

After seeing his reputation take a hit and Badgers’ head coach Greg Gard saying he was blindsided by this decision, King met with Jim Polzin of the Madison State Journal to share his side of the story. In that article, he talks about not feeling like Gard and the staff cared about him as a person, and that he’s questioned playing for the Badgers since his freshman year.

King also discusses how he’s had multiple meetings with the coaching staff about how he felt throughout the season, but nothing changed for him.

In today’s age, everybody looks for someone to blame. However, maybe we should just accept that this was the best decision for everyone involved. King didn’t feel supported at Wisconsin and was looking for more than what he was being given. That’s okay.

On the other end of the spectrum, Gard shared he did what he could to help King through this. And maybe that wasn’t enough, but that’s okay too. As long as all parties involved put their best and most honest foot forward. Not everyone is compatible.

At the end of the day, King’s head and heart weren’t with the Badgers. He didn’t feel like he could honor his commitment to his teammates and give it his all every time on the court. Because of that, he made the best decision for himself.