Former Neenah Standout Joins Badger Basketball Team

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men’s basketball program announced the newest addition to its roster, as head coach Greg Gard shared on Friday that Max Klesmit will transfer and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2022.

A 6-foot-3 guard from Neenah, Wisconsin, Klesmit played the past two seasons at Wofford. The team’s second-leading scorer last season, Klesmit started all 31 games as a sophomore while averaging 14.9 points (44.6% FG), 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He earned Southern Conference Third Team honors.

As a freshman in 2020-21, Klesmit was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team after he appeared in 19 games, including two starts, averaging 8.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.

“I want to thank the Wisconsin coaching staff for giving me this opportunity,” Klesmit said. “I’m super excited and grateful to be a part of this program! I can’t wait to get back to Wisconsin and get to work.”

“We’re happy to be able to add someone like Max, both as a player and person to represent our program,” Gard said. “A native of the state, we know that Max is excited to be able to return home and will take pride in wearing the Wisconsin jersey. With two seasons of college basketball under his belt, Max also adds experience and a specific skillset to our roster. We’re looking forward to Max joining our Badger Family and we can’t wait to get to work with him and help him chase his goals here at Wisconsin.”

Klesmit was a standout prep athlete at Neenah High School, where he was named the Fox Valley Association Player of the Year as a senior after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He helped lead the Rockets to a 23-2 record and reached the section final. A standout in the classroom as well, Klesmit earned honor roll in all four years at Neenah, recognized with National Honor Society nominations as both a sophomore and junior.