It’s basketball season once again folks and YOUR Wisconsin Badgers basketball squad is a beautiful 2-0 to start the season. Currently ranked the 4th best team in the country, wins against Eastern Illinois and Arkansas-Pine Bluff have given Badgers fans an early taste of expectations.
*In my Dick Vitale voice* HOW’S IT GOING, BABY? WE GOT BADGER BASKTEBALL SEASON BACK, BABY! ‘TIS THE SEASON, IT’S TIME FOR THE SHOW! DIAPER DANDY!
Badger Basketball Roster
Sharp shooter, Brevin Pritzl, was the ONLY player to leave the program from last year leaving behind one of the deepest teams the Badger basketball program has seen. Yes, those Final Four teams were great, but they couldn’t quite go 8-9 guys deep like this team can.
Veterans
Led by senior guard duo D’Mitrik Trice and Brad Davison, the Badgers backcourt has the duty of playing hard and teaching at the same time. Although Trice and Davison claim the top spots, fellow senior guard Trevor Anderson should play big minutes. After showing a lot of hustle last season, Anderson will be leaned on to play the “Zak Showalter” role.
In the front court, you have two likely 1st-team All-Big 10 players (if Luka Garza didn’t exist) in Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter. Reuvers, arguably the best rim protector in Badger history, continues his defensive dominance early in the season, needing 11 more blocks to break Ethan Happ’s school record. But Reuvers isn’t the only bright spot in the front court; Micah Potter looks to assert his dominance again this season. After originally being told he could play last season, the NCAA revoked his immediate transfer eligibility only allowing Potter’s efforts in 21 games. The Ohio State transfer scored double figures in 11 of those 21 games. Potter’s 6’10” frame, ability to shoot from outside, and his stand-up defense gives Potter a good chance for consideration in next year’s NBA draft.
“Rookies”
Freshman brothers and guard duo, Jonathan and Jordan Davis from La Crosse Central High School, plant to play an integral part of the Badgers future. Jonathan’s already flashed that potential, averaging 8.5 points and 5 rebounds in these first two games.
There’s also a lot to be excited about with the young big men the Badgers have recruited. Ben Carlson has made his presence known already. Averaging 8 points in 16 minutes so far, the forward was a finalist for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball last year. Another Minnesota Mr. Basketball finalist, Steven Crowl, is a 7 footer who is poised to learn a lot and contribute a little here early in his career.
Players to Watch
As I mentioned earlier, this team might be one of the deepest in Wisconsin history. Success for the current 4th ranked team in the country could ride on 2 players.
Aleem Ford
The senior forward has played in ninety-seven career games for the Badgers. He’s seen success and some struggles. He’s going to have to shoot efficiently and play a tough brand of defense to promote Badger success this season.
Tyler Wahl
Wahl, a sophomore forward from Minnesota, saw action in 31 games last season. He shot a solid 43% from the field in 15 minutes per game. That didn’t fully translate to points with 2.6 per game. An uptick in 3 point percentage and more efficiency from the charity stripe could spell a lot of success for Wahl.
Looking Ahead
12/1 vs. UW-Green Bay
The Badgers come into Tuesday night’s matchup 2-0 and 25 point favorites. In their last game, the Badgers put up 92 points and had 4 of the 5 starters in double figures. They’re playing a UW-GB team who gave up 99 to Minnesota last time out. A Minnesota team who isn’t quite the same as they have been the last couple years. Expect a Badger win.
12/4 @Marquette
Wisconsin and Marquette have played the same 2 teams and are both 2-0 to start the season. Both with similar final scores as well. Since 2016, Greg Gard’s 1st full season, the Badgers are 54-29 with 2-3 days rest between games. That will be the case Friday night. Marquette will play a very talented Oklahoma State team Tuesday night. It will be their first real test without stud point guard Markus Howard who was a 2nd team and 1st team All-American the last 2 seasons. It might be close, but it always is against Marquette.