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Nonsensical Wisconsin Badgers Recruiting Ramblings Vol. 2

Welcome to volume two of my nonsensical ramblings on the state of Wisconsin recruiting.

Published

2 months ago

on

Wisconsin Badgers Football
Photo Credit: Dillon Graff

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to part two of my Wisconsin football/basketball recruiting ramblings, inspired by Dillon Graff’s ramblings on the Wisconsin basketball program. 

In case you missed my first recruiting ramblings article, I will give a quick disclaimer: My points may not be coherent or flow together whatsoever. Hopefully, that won’t turn you away, so before you click off, let’s dive into the recruiting thoughts I spent more time thinking about than I probably should.

Don’t Panic About the Wisconsin Basketball 2024 Class

The Wisconsin basketball program got some disappointing news on the recruiting trail earlier this week when Jackson McAndrew committed to Creighton. UW was in the final four but fell short of landing the four-star prospect.

Following his Creighton commitment, I saw some comments saying that missing out on him could make this class get into “meh” territory. For what it’s worth, I don’t think that is the case.

For starters, Wisconsin is still heavily pursuing Kon Knueppel. Some blue bloods have gotten into the mix, but UW is not too far out in this recruiting battle. Plus, missing out on McAndrew could mean that Wisconsin will ramp up its pursuit of Kneuppel.

Also, saying that this class is approaching “meh” territory is a discredit to Daniel Freitag and Jack Robison. In Freitag, you have a guy with great athleticism and playmaking to pair with his three-level scoring ability. Robison is one of the more underrated players in the class, in my view. He just does everything at a productive level, and there’s a lot of upside in his game.

Sure, it’s disappointing to miss out on McAndrew. However, let’s not let that disappointment overshadow the players Wisconsin has coming in. UW will be just fine.

Will Wisconsin Football Land Xavier Lucas?

A lot of attention has shifted to the 2025 recruiting class, but Wisconsin is still waiting for a decision from Xavier Lucas. 

According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, Lucas is the No. 771 player in the nation, the No. 82 safety, and the No. 108 player in Florida.

The Florida native has drawn out his recruitment a bit, but as of now, it seems to be down to a battle between Wisconsin and Florida State. Lucas has been waiting to see if FSU will take another defensive back. If they do, UW could secure a commitment right then and there.

A crystal ball prediction was placed last week for Wisconsin to land Lucas’ services, and things are seemingly headed in the right direction. 

For what it’s worth, I’m confident UW will come out on top in this one and effectively wrap up the 2024 recruiting class. Don’t take my word as fact, but many signs indicate that Lucas could be on his way to Madison. 

Wisconsin Football Commit Darrion Dupree Offered by Alabama

Alabama offered Darrion Dupree, and the sky is falling. At least, that’s what I’ve seen from some on social media. 

Look, folks, I don’t think there’s a reason to worry about this. For starters, Wisconsin has made it clear that Dupree was a top priority from the very beginning and will be “the guy” in the cycle at running back. Although Dilin Jones is also on board, I think Dupree is comfortable with where he is.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there won’t be a better playing time situation in 2024 than there will be at Wisconsin. Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi are entering the final year on the team unless Allen decides to stay for a fourth year, which seems extremely unlikely. Behind those guys, you have Jackson Acker, Cade Yacamelli, and Nate White. Dupree will play in year one at Wisconsin, and I don’t think the same can be said for Alabama.

I’m not saying Dupree won’t look at other options. After all, he did say that he would keep the door cracked open following his commitment. However, I’m not ready to sound the alarm yet. 

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here. Also, like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin football news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Jake Maier on Twitter @JakeJMaier.

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Basketball

Wisconsin Basketball: In-State Recruits Notable AAU Transition Adds a Twist

In-state recruiting for Wisconsin Basketball just got a whole lot more convenient.

Published

1 day ago

on

September 26, 2023

By

Wisconsin Badgers Basketball
Mar 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader takes the "W" flag across the court before the game with the Purdue Boilermakers at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball coaching staff are in deep with multiple 2025 in-state recruits. One player in particular that the Badgers coaches feel is a perfect fit for their system is Middleton big man Will Garlock — who plays just 12 miles away from The Kohl Center.

UW offered the 6-foot-11 center in July, joining an offer list that now includes Marquette, Penn State, and Virginia Tech. Iowa, Purdue, and Virginia have also been in contact.

But last night, it was announced on social media that Garlock, formerly of the Wisconsin Playground Club, would join Team Herro of the Nike EYBL.

The decision to join Team Herro may appear inconsequential at first glance, but it significantly streamlines the recruiting process for the Wisconsin basketball coaching staff.

Wisconsin Basketball Coaching Staff Will Be Courtside for Plenty of Team Herro’s Games Next Summer

It’s still early in the recruiting cycle, but the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball coaches are heavily pursuing 2025 in-state talent. As it stands, Greg Gard has offered scholarships to 10 players — with six of those going out to prospects from Americas Dairyland.

With Will Garlock’s recent decision to join Team Herro, he officially joins forces with Wisconsin Badgers commit Zach Kinziger and newly offered forward Xzavion Mitchell.

Having all three in-state recruits, each of whom is very much in play for Wisconsin basketball, housed within the same program presents a unique opportunity. It allows a committed Badgers prospect to communicate with them directly and offers the chance to be present court-side, streamlining recruiting efforts and evaluations.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers basketball news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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Basketball

Wisconsin Basketball Fans React: Badgers Miss on 5-Star Recruit

Published

6 days ago

on

September 21, 2023

By

Wisconsin Basketball; Badgers recruiting target Kon Knueppel
Wisconsin Lutheran guard Kon Knueppel (33) handles the ball against Pewaukee guard Nick Janowski (25) on Tuesday January 3, 2023, at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Badgers basketball program was in the thick of the recruiting battle for in-state prospect Kon Knueppel. The five-star prospect out of Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee) officially visited UW earlier this year. A sharpshooting wing and top-20 prospect in the nation, the leading scorer on Nike’s EYBL circuit was a highly coveted prospect. After official visits with the Badgers, Marquette, Alabama, Virginia, and Duke, he has made his decision.

Top Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Target Commits to Duke

The 2024 recruit announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils on the website formerly known as Twitter. Wisconsin basketball fans used the same website to voice their opinions on his decision. Some took it in stride. Others, not so much.

Despite what you might think, some level-headed people are on the internet. Even people in college basketball fandom. I know, shocking, right?


At the end of the day, these are teenagers trying to make the best decisions for the future. It is important to remember that. Watching Wisconsin basketball fans take a commitment to another program in stride is always a welcome sight.

Wisconsin Basketball Fans Have Harsh Reaction to Recruit’s Decision

Not all fans took the high road this time. Some had to get some pretty negative feelings out there.


Getting my head checked aside, these last two are so odd to me. “I am not saying this 17-year-old I have never met before is dead to me, but I did want to say it.” Or do you prefer, “I want to say a lot of mean things, but do not fret! I am showing restraint at this time!” Who asked? At least they make for good content for me to riff on!

Wisconsin Basketball Fans Want Greg Gard Fired

Check your watch! What time do you have? Mine must be broken because it says it is once again time to fire Badgers head coach Greg Gard. The Wisconsin basketball head coach, who has won two of the last four Big Ten titles, simply cannot manage to do anything right.


Maybe this was a bad metaphor. A broken watch is still right twice a day, after all. Oh well, it stays in.

Wisconsin Sports Celebrities Comment On Kon Knueppel Committing to Duke

Okay, “celebrities” (multiple) may be pushing it. I mean no disrespect to the Don – the one real celebrity here. Scary Alvarez and Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky added their thoughts on Knueppel’s commitment Thursday night.


Despite losing out on Knueppel, Wisconsin basketball still has a solid 2024 recruiting class. The group ranks 22nd nationally and fifth in the Big Ten according to the 247Sports Composite. It is comprised of two commits, Daniel Freitag and Jack Robison.

Wisconsin Football Fans React: Badgers Defeat Georgia Southern

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Kedrick Stumbris on Twitter @KedrickStumbris.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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Basketball

Where Wisconsin Basketball Commits Land in Recruiting Rankings Update

Published

1 week ago

on

September 19, 2023

By

Wisconsin Badgers Basketball court: The Kohl Center
Photo Credit: Dillon Graff

In college basketball recruiting, the latest rankings update can bring about waves of excitement and anticipation. The recent 247Sports 2024 recruiting class rankings update for Wisconsin basketball fans will likely elicit mixed emotions, as one of the Badgers commits saw their stock rise significantly — while another unexpectedly saw their stock dip.

Wisconsin, known for its rich basketball tradition, has always been an exceptional recruit and develop program, where players that need more seasoning make their mark at the collegiate level later in their careers.

The latest rankings update reaffirms that Greg Gard has done an exceptional job of identifying system fits early in the process and closing on his top-of-the-board recruiting targets.

Where Wisconsin Basketball Commits Landed in the Latest Recruiting Update.

As it stands, Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball program have the No. 19 rated class in the composite rankings and the No. 5 class in the Big Ten, with two Top 150 prospects.

In a surprising development, three-star wing Jack Robison from Lakeville North, Minnesota, jumped all the way from No. 178 to No. 101 and is now the highest-rated Wisconsin Badgers basketball recruit in the 2024 cycle.

On the flip side, prize point guard recruit Daniel Freitag, the highest-rated recruiting win of the Greg Gard era when he committed, dropped from No. 98 to No. 124.

Final Thoughts 

While these rankings updates are certainly cause for celebration, it’s essential to remember that they represent just one chapter in the journey of these young athletes. Regardless of the rankings drop, I refuse to believe there are 123 better players in this class than Daniel Freitag. 

The rising ranking of Wisconsin basketball commit Jack Robison serves as a motivating force for both him and the coaching staff. The rankings validate the hard work put in by all parties when Robison was unranked, and now the national pundits are catching a glimpse of the potential that can be unlocked in the years to come.

While rankings are a valuable measure of potential, the true impact of these commits will be felt in the games they play and the moments they create on the hardwood. Wisconsin basketball fans can look forward to an exciting era of Wisconsin Badgers basketball fueled by intriguing talents ready to leave their mark on the program.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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