Wisconsin Basketball Rises in Associated Press Top 25 Rankings

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program will head into 2024 with a marginally better ranking in the Associated Press top 25. 

After wrapping up its non-conference schedule with an 80-53 home victory over Chicago State, the Wisconsin Badgers (9-3, 1-0 B1G) moved up one spot to No. 23 in the AP Poll. 

The Badgers were one of three Big Ten programs ranked in the AP top 25, joining Purdue (No. 1) and Illinois (No. 11), although Ohio State, Michigan State, and Northwestern all received votes.

Wisconsin Basketball at No. 23 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll

Wisconsin has won eight of its last nine games and found its stride on offense heading into Big Ten play. The Badgers have climbed to No. 13 in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to Barttorvik, marking a remarkable improvement from their previous year’s ranking at No. 131.

Thanks largely to the dynamic that St. Johns transfer AJ Storr has brought to the Badgers, leading the team in scoring at 15 points per game. He’s grown immensely in Coach Gard’s system since the start of the season, and his ability to get to the rim has helped open things up for everyone around him. The domino effect has allowed Chucky Hepburn and frontcourt players like Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl to play roles they’re better suited for.

Wisconsin basketball will resume its quest for a Big Ten title on Tuesday, January 2, at the Kohl Center against Fran McCafrey and Iowa.

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