Former Minnesota Gophers guard Braeden Carrington made a remarkable return to William Arena on March 12, 2024, now wearing the red jersey of the Wisconsin Badgers. Facing jeers from the crowd, Carrington responded with a career-high performance, scoring 21 points and making seven 3-pointers in a thrilling 78-75 road victory over his former team.
Carrington anticipated the hostile reception. The Park Center graduate had seen a similar scenario unfold during his teammate Jamison Battle‘s return to Minnesota after transferring to Ohio State the previous season, where Battle was also met with boos. In that encounter, Battle managed to score 21 points, but the Gophers ultimately lost. Reflecting on his own experience, Carrington stated, “I expected it, especially coming to Wisconsin. 100%.”
As the game unfolded, Carrington turned the crowd’s negativity into motivation. His first successful shot led to a cheeky gesture aimed at the students in the Barnyard. While the crowd’s derision grew after an airball, Carrington continued to find his rhythm, contributing significantly to the Badgers’ key win.
Turning Negativity into Positivity
Despite averaging only 5.5 points off the bench prior to this game, Carrington’s performance caught the attention of Gophers coach Niko Medved, who noted his shooting prowess in the scouting report. After a solid showing against then-No. 2 Michigan, Carrington’s confidence was on the rise. “You got to give him a lot of credit for making the shots,” Medved remarked. “But at the same point and time, you can’t let that guy get 12 threes off. You are asking for trouble.”
Reflecting on his feelings leading up to the match, Carrington admitted to experiencing heightened anxiety. “Coming in, honestly, my mindset was just as long as we win, I don’t really care — just couldn’t lose this one,” he said. “Last night, I probably had never been so anxious to play a game.”
Carrington’s basketball journey has not been without its challenges. His second season at Minnesota involved a mental health break and a subsequent transfer to Tulsa. When asked why things did not work out at his home-state school, he acknowledged his past lack of confidence. “I just wasn’t as confident as I am now,” Carrington explained. He credited the coaching staff at Tulsa for helping him regain his self-assurance, a sentiment he extended to his current team at Wisconsin.
Support from Coaching and Teammates
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard expressed satisfaction with Carrington’s development since joining the team. “I think he’s getting better; he’s getting more comfortable in what we do,” Gard said. “I think his competitive edge has risen, and he’s become more consistent. He wants to win; that is all he talks about.”
This victory marks a significant moment not only for Carrington but also for the Badgers, reinforcing their competitive spirit in a high-stakes rivalry. Carrington’s ability to perform under pressure and respond to adversity reflects a maturation in both his game and mental approach.
As the Badgers continue their season, Carrington’s performance serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination, turning a moment of hostility into a highlight that will be remembered long after the final buzzer.
