What we’ve learned about Wisconsin men's basketball through 12 games
Here's a look at what we've learned about Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team after the first 12 games of the 2024-25 season.
For the first time this season, Greg Gard and the Wisconsin men's basketball team have had a full week to rest before closing out its nonconference schedule on Sunday against Detroit Mercy at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers, no longer ranked in the AP Poll, are 9-3 on the season. While they’ve certainly had their moments, Wisconsin has also faced their share of growing pains, including three straight losses to KenPom top-25 ranked opponents.
With eight new faces on the roster and several returning players stepping into expanded roles, it was always expected that Gard’s team would need some time to find its rhythm and come together. To put it simply, a slow burn felt inevitable.
"I think we had to be very specific and very intentional in the positions that we had to address... then finding the fit and obviously the person behind the fit & how they fit into the culture," said Gard. "I think the staff did a really good job of evaluating and being very intentional."
Still, through 12 games, Wisconsin has given fans plenty to talk about—both good and bad. This feels like a good time to reflect on what we’ve learned about this team. Let's dive in.
Early positives: A fast start on offense
Wisconsin men’s basketball started the season 8-0 for the first time since 2014, winning the Greenbrier Tip-Off and rising as high as No. 11 in the AP poll.
The Badgers were able to secure key nonconference wins over ACC, Big 12, and Big East opponents and currently sit at No. 33 in the KenPom rankings.
Offensively, the Badgers, at times, have been prolific, averaging 81.9 points per game, with John Tonje, John Blackwell, Max Klesmit, and Nolan Winter all scoring in double figures on a nightly basis. As it stands, they're sitting at No. 11 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency despite having to retool the roster through the transfer portal this past offseason.
More importantly, the Badgers have demonstrated an ability to score in a variety of ways. They’ve been effective attacking the rim, where 43.5% of their points have come this season. On top of that, they’re averaging 26.3 three-point attempts per game, connecting on 33.9% of those shots. And let’s not overlook their performance at the free-throw line, where they’ve been one of the best in the country, shooting 84.8% as a team.
It's worth pointing out that the Badgers have achieved all this while playing at the fastest tempo we've seen in the Greg Gard era. According to KenPom, they currently rank No. 171 nationally in tempo—a significant jump from their previous high under Gard, which was No. 215 during the 2021-22 season. Traditionally speaking, they're outside the top 300.
Another pleasant surprise has been how the bench has stepped up and found ways to contribute. Heading into the season, I expected players like Camren Hunter and Xavier Amos to play significant roles, but I couldn’t have been more wrong about that. Instead, it’s been guys like Kamari McGee and Carter Gilmore who’ve taken massive strides forward, providing stability and bringing a different dynamic whenever they’re on the floor.
Redshirt freshman Jack Janicki has also been a nice spark plug, adding an extra layer of energy when needed.
Even with senior big man Steven Crowl struggling mightily to begin the season, this team has found a way to gel much quicker than expected. If Crowl finds a way to get back on track, look out.
This year’s team has a variety of shooters, one through five, which has made possessions more productive—improved spacing—and even on nights when the shots don’t fall, it's given them a puncher's chance. That’s all you can really ask for.
Area of concern: Defense
As good as the Badgers have been offensively, December has brought its fair share of struggles. Wisconsin dropped three straight games to open the month, starting with Michigan at home and then back-to-back road losses at No. 5 Marquette and Illinois. The Badgers are now 0-2 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2002 and desperately need a win.
The reason? Defensively, the Badgers have taken a noticeable step back.
Ranked 46th in adjusted defensive efficiency by KenPom in 2023-24, which most Badgers fans would have considered below the Wisconsin standard, they've fallen even further to 89th nationally.
Their inability to keep opponents out of the paint and the continued struggles stopping dribble penetration or handling pick and rolls have been glaring. This has forced Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter—neither known for their rim protection—into tough spots inside. The backcourt must find a way to improve as on-ball defenders because this team doesn't have a shot blocker who can erase mistakes.
“The game has changed,” said Gard. “If you want to win at a high level, you’ve got to score. I'm not saying defense is irrelevant, but they are calling more fouls and limiting physicality. We do have to get better. We let the ball get to the rim.”
Credit to Carter Gilmore, who has undoubtedly been the team's best low-post defender. I’ve always been a fan of Gilmore because of the things that he consistently does well and the selfless nature of his game. But Gilmore has improved a ton and covers up a lot of defensive issues for this team.
"Gilmore has given us everything he's got and has really embraced or flourished in the role that he has," Gard said.
Kamari McGee has been a key piece with his ability to pressure ball handlers and get up under them, but this team still needs more help. Right now, Xavier Amos feels almost unplayable. Amos is consistently lost on defense, and he seems to have the greenest light of anyone on the roster—which is an issue when you’re shooting just 30.4% from the field.
If Wisconsin’s defense doesn’t return to a top-50 level, it’s fair to question how far this team can realistically go. Can they get by? Sure, probably. But if the Badgers have aspirations of contending in the Big Ten and making a tournament run, they’ll need to step up defensively—especially in transition. If not, their defensive shortcomings will limit their ceiling.
Moving forward: What’s next?
Despite the inconsistencies, Wisconsin has plenty of reasons for optimism.
The offense has proven it can produce in high-possession games, and the team has a balanced scoring attack that can keep them competitive in just about any game, regardless of whether they're home or on the road. That matters.
However, for the Badgers to contend in the Big Ten, they’ll need to find solutions on the defensive end. Keeping guards in front of them and shoring up rotations will be critical once league play resumes.
I’m confident that John Tonje and John Blackwell can carry the scoring load most nights. Ideally, Max Klesmit snaps out of this shooting slump and becomes that reliable third option, but with much better efficiency. This team needs him as a shooter. Nolan Winter has been a huge bright spot, and his future at Wisconsin looks incredibly promising. That said, I want it on record that I’m genuinely concerned about Steven Crowl. Right now, he’s playing like his wagon’s got a busted wheel—something just feels off. Honestly, he’s starting to remind me of Nate Reuvers in his final season with the program, and let’s be clear—that’s not a compliment.
The bench should continue to provide enough help, thanks to the efficiency we’ve seen from Kamari McGee and Carter Gilmore, along with the confidence Jack Janicki has been showing in his limited minutes. That said, this team has to figure out a way to get Xavier Amos going. Right now, he’s a liability against quality opponents, but his ability to score—and do it in bunches—is an asset they’re going to need. On top of that, coach Gard desperately need’s two reliable bigs off the bench, and right now, there’s nobody else ready to step into that role.
For now, the upcoming nonconference finale offers a chance to build on the Butler win and create some momentum. The tools are there for this Wisconsin basketball team to succeed—it’s just a matter of putting it all together.
We appreciate you taking the time to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. Your support means the world to us and has helped us become a leading independent source for Wisconsin Badgers coverage.
You can also follow Site Publisher Dillon Graff at @DillonGraff on X.