Who Are the Biggest Villains in Wisconsin Basketball History?

1) Duke: Grayson Allen, Coach K, Justice Winslow 

Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) celebrates with Grayson Allen (3) after scoring against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

I want to keep this one short and sweet because the memories of the 2014-15 Wisconsin basketball team losing the NCAA title game to Duke are almost too much to bear.

That UW team was undoubtedly the most unifying groups Badgers fans have ever had the pleasure of watching, they made you feel like you were a part of the ride, and due to the almost cinematic nature of how things unfolded leading up to the title game — I would have bet the farm it was Wisconsin’s team of destiny. 

I was wrong. 

Grayson Allen

One of the least likable players in NCAA history, Grayson Allen, who averaged 4.4 points per game, and registered several DNPs, erupted for 16 points in 21 minutes off the bench. With 13 minutes remaining, Allen scored eight straight points that completely flipped the script. 

Coach K 

And if that wasn’t hard enough to stomach. Wisconsin basketball, who notoriously doesn’t foul, had only two fouls heading into halftime. 

That is until coach K spent the better part of halftime working the refs rather than speaking to his team, according to a report from Grantland. 

Then, wouldn’t you know it, UW picked up 10 team fouls in the first 10 minutes of the second half, and Duke attempted 16 free throws (and was in double-bonus for the final 7+ minutes) to the Badgers three FTs. 

Justice Winslow

In the final two minutes of the 2015 national championship game between Duke and Wisconsin basketball, Justice Winslow and Bronson Koenig fought for a loose ball under the basket that went out of bounds. 

Referees went to the monitor, reviewed the play, and even though everyone with two eyes and a TV could see Justice touched it, the possession went to Duke.

Justice touched it. https://t.co/hci1om4hsE pic.twitter.com/sfwEU4vcA6

— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) January 26, 2023

Shortly after, with 1:24 on the clock, Duke hit a three-pointer, and the rest is history. 

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