Wisconsin Basketball Keeping Tabs on 2026 In-State Shooting Guard

Wisconsin Badgers head basketball coach Greg Gard and his staff took advantage of their “bye week” by hitting the recruiting trail.

One of the top 2026 in-state recruits that Wisconsin has kept a close eye on is Mount Horeb shooting guard Josh Manchester, who Gard chose to watch play last Thursday against Reedsburg, according to Mark Miller.

The 6-foot-3, 160-pound combo guard doesn’t have any reported scholarship offers at this time but has taken unofficial visits to Minnesota, Virginia, and also with the Wisconsin basketball program. Manchester is also hearing from Marquette and several others. 

Manchester was on hand to see the Wisconsin Badgers knock off No. 3 ranked Marquette at the Kohl Center in December.

“That game was a different energy,” Manchester told Nick Osen of 247Sports. “It was an amazing atmosphere, and then after the game, all of the coaches coming up to you and talking to you. They’re all great guys, and it would be a dream to play for them, that’s for sure.”

Wisconsin Basketball to Continue Evaluating Josh Manchester 

Josh Manchester will play for Davis Bros Elite on the AAU circuit this summer, and you can bet your bottom dollar that the Wisconsin Badgers coaches will be watching during the live eval periods.

The Mount Horeb standout’s strengths seem to align with what Wisconsin basketball tends to covet from its wings. Manchester is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc with impressive range and plays with grit and intensity.

If the in-state product shows some growth on the defensive end of the floor, a scholarship offer could potentially be on the table.

Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard has been selective in dishing out scholarships in the 2026 recruiting cycle. UW only has known offers out to Dezhon Hall, Christian Wiggins, Gabriel Sularski, TJ Crumble, and LaTrevion Fenderson.

That number will assuredly expand when they can evaluate more recruits in person this summer. But Manchester is an intriguing in-state name to monitor in the 2026 recruiting class.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!