AJ Storr Was the Wisconsin Basketball Program’s Missing Piece

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball program earned their third straight victory at the Breslin Center yesterday, as the Badgers defeated Michigan State 70-59. 

Wisconsin is now 7-2 on the season as they prepare for a matchup against No. 1 Arizona. The Badgers have picked up some momentum during a tough stretch, with quality wins over No. 3 Marquette and MSU.

A big part of UW’s recent success is former AJ Storr, who has looked as advertised and some in the first nine games of the year.

AJ Storr was the Missing Piece for Wisconsin Basketball

During the offseason, Wisconsin made a significant splash in the portal by bringing in the former St. John’s transfer. In Storr, UW added a new layer to the offense, bringing in an explosive, high-flying guard who can score at all three levels and play solid defense, something Wisconsin has been missing for several years. 

Storr lit up the box score last night against Michigan State, matching a season-high 22 points while tacking on five rebounds and a steal. His three-level scoring ability shined against MSU, as Storr went 8-of-11 from the field while making 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc. 

Storr has reached double figures in seven of nine games this season and leads the team with an average of 14.2 points per game.  

Though he’s known more for his ability to drive into the lane and get up at the rim, Storr has started creating open looks to cash in from deep. He’s shooting just about 30 percent from beyond the arc this season, but it’s still very early, and Storr is starting to find his groove in that area.

It won’t show up on the box score, but Storr has taken a step forward in just the way he carries himself on the court. Early in the year, the former St. John’s transfer was very aggressive, almost too aggressive. Turnovers have been relatively common for Storr, but he’s not making moves that would risk a turnover as often. The 6-foot-7, 200-pound guard has been more decisive in attacking the paint, coinciding with the steps he’s made in his three-point shooting. On top of that, Storr’s court vision has taken a step forward. He’s not the best passer on this roster, but he’s become more refined in finding players without forcing passes. 

Storr has received some strong praise from both the Wisconsin basketball staff and opposing staff members early in the season. Following a standout game against Western Illinois, Leathernecks coach Chad Boudreau gave the former St. John’s transfer his flowers. 

“AJ Storr is starting to fall into place. He’s going to be a dynamic player for Wisconsin, something that they haven’t had for years.”

Boudreau couldn’t be more correct. Wisconsin has needed a relentless wing that does all the little things well, and while Storr still has a little work to do with his ball security, the sophomore guard has turned a corner and become more refined in his game. 

Final Thoughts

Storr has been one of Wisconsin’s most vital contributors to start the year. With how he’s performed, you just have to hope that he doesn’t head to the NBA after this year. With a 6-foot-7 frame, loads of athleticism, and the ability to create his own shot, Storr could be one of the next Badgers to head to the big time. 

Storr was the sole transfer pickup for Greg Gard and company during the offseason. While it was talked about at nauseam how Wisconsin would need another addition, he has made an impact more significant than many expected.

The Wisconsin basketball program is red hot right now, winning six straight games with victories over Virginia, Marquette, and Michigan State. The Badgers will take on No. 1 Arizona on Saturday as they look to ride that momentum and add another upset to a solid early-season resume.

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