Where Wisconsin Basketball Ranks in Jon Rothstein’s Preseason Big Ten Projections

There is no question that the Wisconsin basketball program will have different expectations heading into the 2023-24 season than it did a year ago.

After winning a share of the Big Ten title in 2021-22, Greg Gard and the Badgers took a massive step backward, finishing No. 11 in the Big Ten last season.

Thankfully, UW returns 92% of its scoring from last season, with Jordan Davis being the only off-season departure. Additionally, Gard added St. Johns transfer AJ Storr into the mix and has a promising 2023 recruiting class that should provide meaningful depth this season.

Where Does Wisconsin Basketball Fall in Jon Rothstein’s Big Ten Projections? 

On Monday, College Basketball national writer Jon Rothstein published his Big Ten outlook, and the Wisconsin basketball program was much higher than it finished in the conference standings a year ago. 

Rothstein had Wisconsin projected No. 5 in the league, sandwiched between Maryland (No. 4) and Northwestern (No. 6).

With much of the roster’s core back in the fold, chemistry will play a huge role in the Badgers contending for a Big Ten title. However, transfer portal addition AJ Storr arguably has the highest upside of any player on the roster. His athleticism and ability to score in transition could warrant coach Gard allowing his players to get out and run occasionally. 

If Wisconsin basketball can pick up the pace marginally, it could play a huge role in recruiting. Only time will tell, but this year’s rendition of the Badgers figures to be a shoo-in for the NCAA Tournament after missing this past season. 

Purdue and Michigan State come in No. 1 and No. 2 in the preseason outlook from Rothstein and likely will be the two teams competing for the top spot in the Big Ten. 

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