In his third and final season with the Wisconsin men’s basketball team, senior guard Max Klesmit impacted the team on and off the court. As one of Wisconsin’s standout leaders and the home state player from Neenah, Wisconsin, Klesmit has been with the Badgers for three seasons now, making him a true veteran.
Through balancing offensive and defensive games, working through injuries and leading the Badgers to their best seasons since 2016, Klesmit became an integral part of this team.
A leader’s perspective
Klesmit had a good number of high-scoring games this season, and he scored big at the right times. In a tough road game against Big Ten rival Purdue, Klesmit recorded five field goals, one 3-pointer and six free throws. Wisconsin won this game 94-84.
Free throws have been one of the most consistent parts of Klesmit’s game. During the 2024-25 season, the senior put up a 0.847 percentage at the line. In so many college basketball games, the winner comes down to who can earn the most free throws and who can make them. Klesmit’s ability to be consistent no matter what pressure he’s under shows his experience and proves his spot as a leader.
Injured, but not down
Klesmit had a minor ankle injury in January but played through it until the end of the year. During the first 13 games of the season, Klesmit averaged 11.23 points per game. Starting on Jan. 6, the day Klesmit was injured, he averaged only 8.38 points per game.
Klesmit was out for the final three games of the regular season, and Wisconsin struggled without him. The Badgers didn’t imagine their season full of victories to end with two losses and one Big Ten win.
Even though he was on the bench, Klesmit never let up on his belief in the team. He stood most of each game, cheering, coaching and supporting his teammates from the sidelines. Injuries can often break athletes’ momentum, especially in their final year of eligibility, but Klesmit’s attitude and actions show how important the team element is to him.
Big Ten bounce back
With Klesmit in for the Big Ten Tournament, the Badgers turned it around. He scored nine points in his first game back against Northwestern, shooting three for five from the field. In the tournament, Klesmit averaged seven points per game, and Wisconsin didn’t lose until the championship.
The most notable game of the tournament was against Michigan State, which would send the Badgers to the championship. Wisconsin had just lost to Michigan State on March 2, toward the end of the regular season. But at that point, they didn’t have Klesmit in the game.
With Klesmit in for the Badgers, they rewrote the regular season results and beat the Spartans 77-74. Klesmit’s impact didn’t show up on the stats sheet for this game, but the momentum his return created is what led Wisconsin to make it to the Big Ten Championship.
The future of Klesmit
With Klesmit on the court, the Badgers gain an experienced guard with a bit of attitude. Klesmit plays as though he has nothing to lose each game. His emotion and love for the game is notable, and he’s not afraid to call out anyone.
Klesmit sat down for a Q&A with NBC 26 Northeast Wisconsin to discuss his basketball history, love for Wisconsin and hopes for the future.
“It’s not just about the games — it’s the students, the faculty, the people working around the Kohl Center and Camp Randall — they all care deeply about this program,” Klesmit said. “That gives you even more appreciation for putting on the uniform.”
Beyond Wisconsin, Klesmit expressed an interest in playing professional basketball, calling sports games — mainly basketball, football or golf — and coaching. His experience guiding the Badgers through this season as a veteran should give Klesmit an edge when it comes to coaching positions.
Throughout the Q&A, Klesmit introduced a few characteristics that he’s strived for throughout his basketball career. Patience: a virtue learned at Wofford when he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted. Perspective: reminding himself of personal goals and growth. Discipline and resilience: the traits Klesmit took with him into the final stretch of the season.
Something that stuck out in the final moments of Klesmit’s interview was his quote on facing challenges.
“Face challenges head-on,” he said. “There are no shortcuts. Life will test you, but the biggest challenges lead to the biggest growth.”
The Neenah native has certainly faced a few challenges and fought them head-on, leading Klesmit to become one of the most valuable players on Wisconsin’s 2024-25 roster. Klesmit’s impact on the Badgers is undeniable and unforgettable.
