Wisconsin Men’s Basketball: One Question for Each Starter

One Question for Each Wisconsin Basketball Starter

Wisconsin basketball has been in a rut over the last few weeks. The Badgers have lost five of their last six games, with their most recent loss being a blowout against Maryland.

A little over a month ago, UW was the number 15 team in the country. Now on a skid, Wisconsin needs to right the ship as they head into the second half of the season.

There are question marks all over the board for this Badgers team, but here are some questions for each position group for the second stretch.

Can Chucky Hepburn improve his offensive consistency?

Chucky Hepburn earned a Big Ten Preseason All-Conference Second Team honor at the beginning of the season. He’s had a productive season as the floor general, leading the team in assists and steals. However, some question marks have been raised about his play on offense.

Hepburn is producing 12.2 points per game this season. While he’s one of Wisconsin’s top scorers, the sophomore guard’s shot selection has sometimes been questionable. Hepburn has taken low-percentage shots in multiple late-game situations, which sealed losses for UW.

Although Hepburn has had an up-and-down year, he has excelled as a playmaker and a defender. If he can get his consistency back to where it needs to be, Wisconsin could go on a run in the last stretch.

Will Max Klesmit return to form following his injury?

Klesmit has missed the last two games with an injury after being elbowed in the face in a win over Penn State. Wisconsin has missed him dearly, losing both games in his absence.

Klesmit has been a relatively quiet contributor for UW, but he’s been an essential factor. The junior guard is averaging 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in the 2022-23 season.

If Klesmit could be who he was before his absence, Wisconsin could go on a run and start getting back in the win column.

Can Jordan Davis build off his recent play?

Jordan Davis has been another quiet player for Wisconsin basketball this season. The junior forward is averaging 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds thus far. Recently, though, Davis has been producing at a higher level.

Davis has combined for 22 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists in his last three games. His best game came against Northwestern, where he notched 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, a block, and a steal. After a relatively quiet season, Davis has hit his stride.

If Davis can build off his recent play, he’ll take some of the offensive load off of the top scorers and be a crucial piece to make a run.

Can Tyler Wahl get back to producing on defense at a high level?

Tyler Wahl has been the most crucial piece to the Badgers success this season. The veteran forward is Wisconsin’s leading scorer and was an important contributor to the defense. However, his defensive production has slipped recently.

Wahl averaged 1.3 steals per game before his injury, with 18 total steals. Since then, Wahl has registered just one steal in his last three games. If he can work back to his defensive production before the injury, Wisconsin can prepare to take on some high-powered offenses down the stretch.

Wahl has been vital to the Badgers this season. He should return to form soon, which would significantly boost UW.

Will Steven Crowl be the difference maker for Wisconsin basketball?

Steven Crowl has been one of, if not the most important player for Wisconsin this season.

The junior forward has been remarkable in this stretch, with multiple 20-point games under his belt. Although UW is on a skid with five losses in their last six, Crowl’s play has been a highlight. If the Minnesota native can continue at this pace, he could be a true difference-maker for the Badgers.

Wisconsin basketball takes on the Illinois Fighting Illini tomorrow afternoon. UW needs to right the ship fast, and they’ll go against a formidable opponent to try to get that done.

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