MADISON- Ethan Happ broke the all-time UW men’s basketball rebounding record midway through the first half on Saturday night. Happ needed six rebounds to break Claude Gregory’s (1981-1984) record of 904 boards.
“It’s special to set yourself apart at such a storied school such as Wisconsin with so many great players who have come through here in any category, but rebounding is definitely a crucial part of the game,” Happ said of his new record. “It’s definitely special to me, but I’m just happy we got the win.”
In 25 minutes in the blowout win over Houston Baptist, Happ recorded 12 rebounds and notched his second double-double in three games to start out the season, with the third game being a triple-double.
Happ is all alone at the top in rebounds, but his name is printed all over UW’s record books. The senior center has amassed quite the career, ranking in the top 15 in virtually every statistical category for Wisconsin.
In addition to rebounds, the All-American is third in steals, sixth in blocks and field goals, seventh in points, tenth in games started, and 12th in assists.
“Something that my dad instilled in me when I was little was to work on your ball handling, work on your passing, work on all facets of the game,” Happ said of his all-around game. “Don’t limit yourself to one area.”
Happ has been a monster on the boards to start out his senior campaign, already grabbing 36 rebounds in the Badgers first three games. The big man’s career high for rebounds in a game is 15, which he’s done three times.
“For Ethan to set the record for all-time rebounding is a heck of an accomplishment,” head coach Greg Gard said after the game. “It’s another testament to the type of the player he’s become and I’m happy for him.”