MADISON, Wis. -- The 2018-19 regular season is still weeks from finishing, but Wisconsin is already exploring the grad transfer market.

According to Jeff Goodman, the Badgers have reached out to former William & Mary small forward Justin Pierce.

As a junior, Pierce averaged 14.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while shooting 46.4 percent from the field. Pierce helped lead the Tribe to a 14-17 record and a fourth place finish in the CAA standings.

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A native of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Pierce has led William & Mary in scoring each of the last two seasons.

“Coach Shaver, thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to put on the Tribe uniform, lead as a captain, and play in front of the most loyal fan base around,” Pierce tweeted. “With that being said, I will begin exploring opportunities for my last collegiate season as a graduate student.

“William & Mary will always be home, and and I will be a proud alum repping the Green and Gold. #GoTribe.”

Pierce will graduate in May and will be eligible to play immediately next season. According to Goodman, Ohio State, Arizona, Notre Dame, Michigan, Butler, Gonzaga, Nevada, Illinois, Ole Miss, Stanford, Northwestern, Boston College, USC, and DePaul have also inquired.

Wisconsin will lose seniors Charlie Thomas, Ethan Happ, and Khalil Iverson after the season. The Badgers have signed just one recruit for the 2019 class, small forward Tyler Wahl from Lakeville, Minn., and do have a scholarship open.

In December, the Badgers also picked up Ohio State transfer Micah Potter, who will be eligible either at the start of the 2019-20 season or once second semester begins.