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Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Doesn’t Need a Roster Overhaul

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7 months ago

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Wisconsin Badgers basketball

Opinion: Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Doesn’t Need a Roster Overhaul

Madison, Wis. — I understand the struggles the Wisconsin men’s basketball program has had this season — I watch the same games as everyone else. 

However, I consider myself an optimist, and I don’t for one second believe this program is the dumpster fire that the vocal minority would lead you to believe. Sure, it has its warts, but the foundation is solid. 

While an NCAA Tournament birth might be a longshot, I evaluate every Wisconsin Badgers roster by how many players would earn minutes on a Big Ten title-worthy team–something we’ve been lucky enough to see firsthand two of the last three seasons (thank you, Greg Gard). 

I then use that curve to determine how many pieces Wisconsin men’s basketball needs to add to get back in the hunt. 

By my count, the Badgers currently have six players who would play for Greg Gard on a GOOD Wisconsin team.

That’s not to say there aren’t others deserving of minutes this season — or players capable of developing into those roles down the road — instead, it’s simply who fits the criteria as I write this today. 

Who Makes up the Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Teams Foundation?

Oct 12, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, US; Wisconsin Badgers players Steven Crowl, Chucky Hepburn, and Tyler Wahl speak to the media during the Big Ten Basketball Media Days at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

I might be in the minority, but I firmly believe that Connor Essegian and Steven Crowl are the two best/most important players in the Wisconsin men’s basketball program — and the advanced stats agree. 

Per Barttorvik.com, Big Steve and Essegian lead UW in PRPG with 2.7 and 2.6, respectively. PRPG is a metric that essentially accounts for how many points a player is worth to a program – relative to a replacement-level option. 

Realistically, an argument could be made for anyone of UW’s top four players as the most important — but Essegian’s scoring and Crowl being a seven-footer with an expanding low post game and facilitating ability make these two vital to the team’s success moving forward.

But That’s Not All…

Then, Wisconsin men’s basketball has a dynamic two-way forward like Tyler Wahl, who is the perfect complimentary player that can be a go-to option in the low post against the right matchup, + he could use his extra year of eligibility next season and help make up an impressive frontcourt duo.

Wofford transfer Max Klesmit is a dawg on the defensive end, knocks down threes at an efficient clip, and is a low-usage offensive player – AKA a glue guy. Every good Wisconsin team has featured a player just like him + he has multiple years of eligibility remaining.

Chucky Hepburn, the sophomore point guard, is the straw that stirs the drink. He is far from a finished product, and he could easily become UW’s best player with some seasoning. Still, his ball security, defense, and three-point shooting make him a foundational piece for Wisconsin men’s basketball to continue building around.

Last but not least, the sixth player, at least in my eyes, is Jordan Davis. He plays good defense, doesn’t turn the ball over, provides some shooting off the bench, and is a solid rebounder.

This isn’t a knock on Carter Gilmore, I’m a supporter of him and think he’s done a terrific job given the minutes he’s been forced into, but on a Big Ten title-contending team, there wouldn’t be this sizable of a role for him.

Additionally, Kamari McGee could become a quality bench piece (he’s shown flashes), but he’s still putting it all together at the Power 5 level.

So Where Does that Leave Wisconsin Men’s Basketball? 

All of this is to say that Wisconsin Men’s basketball isn’t that far away from competing for a Big Ten title and could even make a run as early as next season if Tyler Wahl returns and no key contributors leave.

And I know everyone loves to talk shit about Greg Gard’s recruiting efforts, but the 2023 class is pretty damn good, IMO. Gus Yalden, Nolan Winter, and John Blackwell are great schematic fits and will instantly provide an influx of talent on the roster, regardless of their ability to play as true freshmen. 

This roster desperately needs another true big man off the bench (sorry, Chris Hodges ain’t it) and a small forward with size + perimeter skills (I’m looking at you, Andrew Rohde). 

If coach Gard can find one or two players in the transfer portal capable of slotting into the rotation immediately and count on some internal development — Wisconsin men’s basketball should be a top-25 preseason team in 2023-24. 

I’d never tell anyone how to fan, but it’s OK to be a glass-half-full person from time to time. Cheers.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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Basketball

Wisconsin Basketball News: Badgers Miss on Blue-Chip Recruit, Scrimmage Announced, More

Published

17 hours ago

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September 23, 2023

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Wisconsin basketball; Badgers coach Greg Gard talks to Max Klesmit
Mar. 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) talks with head coach Greg Gard during the second half of their game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a busy week for the Wisconsin basketball program, ladies and gents, but you’re in luck because BadgerNotes can help get you back up to speed with a roundup of some important Badgers hoops news you may have missed.

Wisconsin Basketball Misses on Five-Star In-State Recruit 

Five-star shooting guard Kon Knueppel, out of Milwaukee (WI), has been Greg Gard’s top target in the 2024 recruiting class for over two years. 

According to the industry-generated composite recruiting rankings, the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter is the No. 16 player in the country, the No. 7 SF, and the No. 1 recruit in America’s Dairyland. 

After taking official visits to Marquette, Alabama, Virginia, Duke, and UW earlier this month, the Badgers learned on Thursday that Knueppel was taking his talents to Durham and joining Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils. 

While the news is undoubtedly disappointing, Wisconsin basketball did everything they could in this recruitment — and even put together a “substantial” NIL package. 

As it stands, UW has the No. 22 ranked recruiting class in the country, holding verbal commitments from Daniel Freitag and Jack Robison in the 2024 cycle.

Wisconsin Badgers Announce Red-White Scrimmage Date 

On Thursday, the University of Wisconsin basketball program put out a press release announcing that the annual Red-White scrimmage will take place on Sunday, October 15, at 4 PM central time. 

Per usual, the Badgers scrimmage will be free, with seating awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The gates will open at 2:30 PM for anyone wanting an up close and personal look at this year’s squad. 

Additionally, this will be the first Wisconsin men’s basketball event in which alcohol will be available for purchase — which is a massive win for Badgers fans. 

One last thing of note: the Red-White scrimmage takes place on a bye week for the Green Bay Packers, a savvy move by the athletic department. 

Other Wisconsin Basketball News

Although Wisconsin basketball is more than likely done in the 2024 cycle and moving on to the 2025 recruiting class, the Badgers coaches are still keeping tabs on top 150 big man Jaden Smith out of Chicago, Illinois.

According to the composite rankings, Smith is the No. 146 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle, the No. 26 C in the country, and the No. 5 player in Illinois.

As it stands, Smith holds offers from Georgia Tech, Arizona State, Dayton, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, St. Louis, TCU, and others. However, Wisconsin Badgers assistant coach Dean Oliver has kept in contact with the 6-foot-11 big man and plans to attend an open gym later this fall to watch Smith again up close.

Smith isn’t your traditional Wisconsin basketball big man. He’s a rim-running shot blocker with above-average athleticism who can make plays above the rim.

His game is still a big raw, but there’s enough untapped potential to warrant maintaining contact in recruitment that is “wide open,” according to Smith. There’s also some mutual interest — so we’ll continue to monitor their relationship now that the Badgers have their answer on Kon Knuppel.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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Wisconsin Basketball Fans React: Badgers Miss on 5-Star Recruit

Published

3 days ago

on

September 21, 2023

By

Wisconsin Basketball; Badgers recruiting target Kon Knueppel
Wisconsin Lutheran guard Kon Knueppel (33) handles the ball against Pewaukee guard Nick Janowski (25) on Tuesday January 3, 2023, at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Badgers basketball program was in the thick of the recruiting battle for in-state prospect Kon Knueppel. The five-star prospect out of Wisconsin Lutheran (Milwaukee) officially visited UW earlier this year. A sharpshooting wing and top-20 prospect in the nation, the leading scorer on Nike’s EYBL circuit was a highly coveted prospect. After official visits with the Badgers, Marquette, Alabama, Virginia, and Duke, he has made his decision.

Top Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Target Commits to Duke

The 2024 recruit announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils on the website formerly known as Twitter. Wisconsin basketball fans used the same website to voice their opinions on his decision. Some took it in stride. Others, not so much.

Despite what you might think, some level-headed people are on the internet. Even people in college basketball fandom. I know, shocking, right?


At the end of the day, these are teenagers trying to make the best decisions for the future. It is important to remember that. Watching Wisconsin basketball fans take a commitment to another program in stride is always a welcome sight.

Wisconsin Basketball Fans Have Harsh Reaction to Recruit’s Decision

Not all fans took the high road this time. Some had to get some pretty negative feelings out there.


Getting my head checked aside, these last two are so odd to me. “I am not saying this 17-year-old I have never met before is dead to me, but I did want to say it.” Or do you prefer, “I want to say a lot of mean things, but do not fret! I am showing restraint at this time!” Who asked? At least they make for good content for me to riff on!

Wisconsin Basketball Fans Want Greg Gard Fired

Check your watch! What time do you have? Mine must be broken because it says it is once again time to fire Badgers head coach Greg Gard. The Wisconsin basketball head coach, who has won two of the last four Big Ten titles, simply cannot manage to do anything right.


Maybe this was a bad metaphor. A broken watch is still right twice a day, after all. Oh well, it stays in.

Wisconsin Sports Celebrities Comment On Kon Knueppel Committing to Duke

Okay, “celebrities” (multiple) may be pushing it. I mean no disrespect to the Don – the one real celebrity here. Scary Alvarez and Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky added their thoughts on Knueppel’s commitment Thursday night.


Despite losing out on Knueppel, Wisconsin basketball still has a solid 2024 recruiting class. The group ranks 22nd nationally and fifth in the Big Ten according to the 247Sports Composite. It is comprised of two commits, Daniel Freitag and Jack Robison.

Wisconsin Football Fans React: Badgers Defeat Georgia Southern

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Kedrick Stumbris on Twitter @KedrickStumbris.

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Wisconsin Basketball Announces 2023-24 Big Ten Schedule

Published

4 days ago

on

September 20, 2023

By

Wisconsin Badgers basketball head coach Greg Gard
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard is shown during the second half of their game Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Purdue beat Wisconsin 63-61.

You read that right: Wisconsin Basketball is right around the corner. Although football season just started, it’s never too early to talk Badgers hoops.

The Big Ten released the 2023-2024 men’s basketball schedule. Just like last year, Wisconsin will have one conference game in December and then return to Big Ten play again in January. This is one of the toughest and most exciting schedules I have seen recently.

Let’s take a look at some early thoughts on the schedule.

Wisconsin Basketball Has a Tough First Week of December

I mentioned how tough this schedule will be for Wisconsin basketball, and the first week of December is indicative of that. The Badgers will host Marquette on December 2nd, travel to East Lansing for their Big Ten opener against Michigan State on December 5th, and then head to Arizona on December 9th.

Safe to say, Wisconsin basketball fans will get a good sense of how great this team can be early on.

Wisconsin Basketball Has an Exciting Home Schedule

The Kohl Center should be rocking this year. Wisconsin basketball has a plethora of really intriguing home games this season. UW will have 13 games this year where they face a NCAA tournament team from last year. With nine of those being at the Kohl Center. Five Friday night home games, which include matchups with Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan State.

On top of that, 5 Saturday/Sunday home games, including matchups with Marquette, Purdue, and Illinois. With the addition of alcohol being served at the Kohl Center now, I expect the Wisconsin basketball home crowd to be rowdy this year!

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Griffin Gamble on Twitter, @gamble_griffin3

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Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

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