Wisconsin Basketball Bench Duo Sparks Hope Heading Into March

During a challenging February stretch where the Wisconsin basketball program lost seven out of nine games, uncertainty surrounding the Badgers loomed large. However, during senior night against Rutgers, two bench players provided some answers.

Kamari McGee, in particular, emerged as a much-needed spark after returning from an 11-game absence due to a lower-body injury, chipping in 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field in 10 minutes.

“I didn’t plan to come in and score as many as I did,” McGee told reporters. “I was just thinking about getting back to that rhythm we had before I got injured.”

According to KenPom, the Wisconsin basketball program ranks No. 61 in adjusted defensive efficiency. While McGee may not solve all of the team’s defensive problems in his limited role, he has the team’s best DRtg and should provide a meaningful boost to a group of starters logging heavy minutes.

“He’s a pit bull,” Gard said. “That’s what we missed. The toughness, grittiness, feistiness he brings to the floor .. he’s mature, he understands what this team needs.”

Wisconsin Basketball Returns Its 1,2 Punch off the Bench

Another standout performer from the Badgers bench was John Blackwell, the Wisconsin basketball team’s sixth man. He showcased an impressive all-around game, tallying 17 points and eight rebounds while getting to the charity stripe at will — connecting on 9-of-10 attempts. 

“Him being a freshman and coming in, we ask a lot of him,” McGee said of Blackwell. “He’s always locked in, always gives his all, and that’s what I love about John.”

In the case of McGee, his impact extends beyond the box score, particularly on the defensive end, where his intensity is invaluable. Despite his modest stats, McGee’s defensive contributions cannot be understated — he’s this team’s Pat Beverly. Further, Blackwell’s ability to penetrate opposing defenses and draw fouls offers a valuable dimension to Wisconsin’s play-style that few others on the roster can.

While the Badgers have maintained a consistent starting lineup throughout the season, the injection of energy and versatility from players like McGee and Blackwell helps protect against stagnant moments. McGee’s defensive acumen complements Blackwell’s offensive firepower, offering a well-rounded solution to the team’s shortcomings.

Gard will still utilize Nolan Winter as his primary front-court option, working in Markus Ilver and Carter Gilmore when necessary. But that’s probably the extent of what we’ll see of the bench down the stretch.

The Big Ten regular-season title has already slipped away. Now, Wisconsin basketball must leverage the newfound depth and energy off the bench to navigate the remaining hurdles. With McGee and Blackwell back in action, the Badgers aim to rediscover their winning form and make a late-season surge — hoping to make some noise in March.

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