UW’s Iverson downplays reduced role

MADISON – The question posed to Wisconsin coach Greg Gard was understandable, though immaterial:

Considering how many minutes freshman Kobe King has played in UW’s last two Big Ten games, will he eventually move into the starting lineup?

“I don’t get wound up in who starts,” Gard said after UW’s 64-54 victory over Michigan on Saturday.

“What’s our matchups? Find the best fit and go forward. You don’t get any extra hamburgers at dinner if you start. Everybody has a role. Do your job.”

Senior Khalil Iverson has started all 18 games this season and averaged 27.4 minutes in UW’s first five Big Ten games.

King, who normally subs in for Iverson, averaged 15.8 minutes in UW’s first five league games. Those numbers flip-flopped against Maryland and Michigan, however.

King is a more advanced offensively than Iverson and is shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range (13 of 31). Iverson has to contribute defensively and on the glass. He has missed all 3 three-point attempts this season.

Iverson has started 51 consecutive games and was in the starting lineup when UW (12-6, 4-3) faced host Illinois (5-13, 1-6).

Asked about how King’s rise has affected his playing time, Iverson insisted he isn’t pouting.

“For me, it doesn’t really matter,” he said. “When I am in the game I’m just trying to do everything I can to help the team. If Kobe is having a good game, let him go.

“I’m for the team and I like him. I like cheering people on and I like seeing other people succeed.”

Gard noted that King needs to continue playing well to continue getting big minutes.

The Wisconsin-Illinois game Wednesday night ended too late for this edition. Find coverage at jsonline.com/badgers.