Markus Ilver may have not reached his dream to play in the NBA after going undrafted in the recent draft but he is going pro anyway as the Wisconsin Badgers basketball alum will go back to Estonia to play for one of the most decorated club there.
Markus Ilver, Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 10, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) and Wisconsin Badgers forward Markus Ilver (35) reach for a loose ball during the second half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
The 6’9 power forward, who played four seasons for UW, signed with a pro team back in his home and it is not just any other team.
Proud of you Markus#Badgers @MarkusIlver has signed a deal with @Unitartubasket! pic.twitter.com/izMx3I7svv
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) July 14, 2025
Tartu Ülikool Maks & Moorits owns the record for most championships in the Estonian League with 26 and most Estonian Cup titles with 17.
Ilver, who started with the team in 2021, played 20 games for the Badgers in his last season and although he did not score that much, head coach Greg Gard found his imposing presence and valuable cog in the team with his sweet shooting.
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard
Mar 19, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during a press conference at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“One [player] that’s taken a jump is Markus Ilver,” Gard said back in January.
“I’m trying to find a way to get him into the mix because the guy can make shots. He’s got size and length to him, he’s experienced now, he understands what we want, and quite frankly, he’s earned the opportunity. It’s my job to try and find the right time to put him in.”
Markus Ilver’s shoutout to Wisconsin Badgers
Gard, like he said, is witness to Ilver’s hardwork. He played four seasons with the team and his trajectory went up since then.
Ilver himself believes his time with the Badgers helped him become the player that he is today.
“My time in America developed me as a person and as an athlete,” he said in a press release published by the Estonian club.
USATSI 19998803
Feb 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) celebrates a win over the Michigan Wolverines with teammates Markus Ilver (center) and Isaac Lindsey (right) during the second half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
“The opportunity to play at a prestigious university, where daily training and games were at a high level, was an invaluable experience. I was part of a program where several teammates have reached the NBA level, it made me work hard every day and taught me what true professionalism means.”
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