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Wisconsin point guard Josh Gasser cleared for physical contact

Josh Gasser

Wisconsin’s Josh Gasser watches from behind the bench during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Southeastern Louisiana, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, in Madison, Wis. Gasser is out for the season due to a torn knee. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

AP

Wisconsin point guard Josh Gasser’s 2012-13 season came to an end before it even began, as the expected starter suffered a season-ending knee injury in late October. With the rehab process being what it is, there were questions as to whether or not the redshirt junior would be cleared to take part in Wisconsin’s upcoming trip to Canada.

On Sunday it was reported that Gasser’s been cleared for contact, and according to head coach Bo Ryan the point guard is expected to see some playing time during the Canada trip.

Badgers coach Bo Ryan said he expects Gasser, who missed the entire 2012-13 season after injuring his left knee, to play anywhere between 8-12 minutes per game in Canada. The Badgers will play five exhibition games on the trip, beginning Wednesday with a game against Carleton University in Ottawa.

Without Gasser on the floor last season the Badgers had to adjust, with Traevon Jackson and George Marshall taking over the primary ball-handler role that was expected to be handled by Gasser when the season began.

Jackson started 28 of Wisconsin’s 35 games, posting averages of 6.9 points and 2.8 assists per game for a team that reached the title game of the Big Ten tournament and won 23 games. The “trial by fire” that both he and Marshall experienced last season should only serve to benefit them, as well as Wisconsin as a whole, with Gasser back in the fold.

The trip to Canada comes at a good time for the Wisconsin program, as the Badgers have to account for the graduation of two of their top three scorers (forwards Jared Berggren and Ryan Evans) and a third senior in valuable “glue guy” Mike Bruesewitz.

That likely means more responsibility for players such as Ben Brust (11.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Sam Dekker (9.6, 3.4) and the rehabilitated Gasser in 2013-14. Wisconsin also adds five newcomers this season, with point guard Bronson Koenig and versatile forward Nigel Hayes being two of the additions.

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