What Max Klesmit said to Greg Gard about the NIL completely surprised him

Wisconsin’s head coach Greg Gard was sharing a candid moment about when NIL first became a thing. It was a crazy time for coaches who were confused how to proceed and what each player would be wanting or demanding to play sports. Each coach was having to navigate this new reality in a weird and strange way. Gard shared that he was talking with each player and when he got to Max Klesmit, what Klesmit said, blew him away. So much so, “I wanted to hug and kiss him!”

Greg Gard met with each player when NIL began.

Max Klesmit, who had just transferred in, told him: “You gave me an opportunity to wear the jersey, that’s enough”

Gard: “I wanted to get up and hug him and kiss him”#Badgers pic.twitter.com/nG3KtoockY

— Andrew Bandstra (@andrewbandstra) March 4, 2025

“You gave me the opportunity to wear the [Wisconsin] jersey and that’s enough.” said Max Klesmit

Klesmit shocked Gard with his comment while most players were demanding money, getting agents involved, or even just asking for space to figure out what they wanted to do, Klesmit basically said that he’s just happy to wear the jersey of Wisconsin. Klesmit wasn’t going to let money be the primary reason, but playing for Gard and UW to be his focus.

This is unique in today’s college era. Even though Klesmit is an in-state player from Neenah, Wisconsin, he wanted to play for Wisconsin even though he started his career at Wofford. Nowadays, being local matters less than it used to. Players are looking for the biggest opportunity to cash in. Klesmit is a breath of fresh air in a crazy college sports world.

Gard has a tendency to find these players. Carter Gilmore is another fascinating case study in college hoops as he walked-on, earned a spot, eventually had to walk-on again because of a number crunch but his commitment to Wisconsin never wavered. He has played five years for the Badgers and he’s been a glue for Wisconsin in so many games this season.

Klesmit’s dad, Rich, also shared his thoughts on what Max told Gard, “Doesn’t surprise me…Do yourself a favor, if you ever have the opportunity to get to know Max…do it. You’ll be better for it.”

Now, the attention turns to whether Klesmit will be able to get healthy enough to play against Minnesota tomorrow. He was unable to play in the last game against Michigan State, and his defensive presence and ability to help move the offense were sorely missed.