Wisconsin Basketball 2022-23

[Brewcrew82]

Whispers about Andrew Rhode, from Brookfield, transferring to us from St. Thomas after the season. 6'6 Freshman guard averaging 16.2 points and 3.8 assists per game. Put up 15 against Creighton and 16 against Utah. He'd be a perfect addition at the starting 3 spot next to Connor and Chucky, which also would enable Klesmit to come off the bench. Then, if Wahl comes back for his COVID year, you'd have 4 guys who can pass the rock really well in the starting lineup between Rohde, Wahl, Hepburn, and Crowl, with Connor leading the scoring charge. 

That being said, we have to cross our fingers and hope that none of those guys transfer after the season, while one other scholarship player transfers out (Davis? Hodges? Ilver?), Would be nice if we didn't have Gilmore on scholarship, but I doubt they're taking him off at this point. 

Incoming freshman class should also add some real punch to the bench, too. Gus, I anticipate, will leap over Gilmore for the top reserve big, while Blackwell could find his way into key minutes at guard because of his length and defensive ability. Winter is difficult to get a read on. I think he has the most potential in the class, and he's really upped his game during his senior season, but that frame has me thinking he should redshirt. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if he ends up forcing his way into the rotation. 

As I've stated before, a big spring and summer ahead for Gard, between trying to eke this team into the tournament and close in on our top transfer portal and 2024 targets. If he succeeds, this program will be set up really well to take the next step. If he has a repeat of last summer, then this season could represent the beginning of the end for him.  

[RedStickBrew]

1 hour ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Whispers about Andrew Rhode, from Brookfield, transferring to us from St. Thomas after the season. 6'6 Freshman guard averaging 16.2 points and 3.8 assists per game. Put up 15 against Creighton and 16 against Utah. He'd be a perfect addition at the starting 3 spot next to Connor and Chucky, which also would enable Klesmit to come off the bench. Then, if Wahl comes back for his COVID year, you'd have 4 guys who can pass the rock really well in the starting lineup between Rohde, Wahl, Hepburn, and Crowl, with Connor leading the scoring charge. 

That being said, we have to cross our fingers and hope that none of those guys transfer after the season, while one other scholarship player transfers out (Davis? Hodges? Ilver?), Would be nice if we didn't have Gilmore on scholarship, but I doubt they're taking him off at this point. 

Incoming freshman class should also add some real punch to the bench, too. Gus, I anticipate, will leap over Gilmore for the top reserve big, while Blackwell could find his way into key minutes at guard because of his length and defensive ability. Winter is difficult to get a read on. I think he has the most potential in the class, and he's really upped his game during his senior season, but that frame has me thinking he should redshirt. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if he ends up forcing his way into the rotation. 

As I've stated before, a big spring and summer ahead for Gard, between trying to eke this team into the tournament and close in on our top transfer portal and 2024 targets. If he succeeds, this program will be set up really well to take the next step. If he has a repeat of last summer, then this season could represent the beginning of the end for him.  

I share many of your thoughts on the future of the program.  We will have to see what happens with incoming and outgoing transfers, and with Wahl, to know what needs they will have to fill.

I agree with much of your analysis of the incoming class. Gus is probably the most equipped to come in and contribute.  I'm into comps so I'll share my Gus comp- he reminds me very much of a kid who played at LSU about 20 years ago by the name of Glen "Big Baby" Davis.  Similar physique, wing span, soft hands, great footwork, smooth shooter and soft touch.  If anything, Gus has more tools in the tool-kit at a similar age. I don't recall Glen Davis being a good perimeter shooter or post threat- he was deadly face-up from mid-range though.

I think Winter could contribute if pressed into duty, but he would most certainly benefit from a year of S&C.

Blackwell is physically ready and could contribute, I just don't see the minutes for him next year with Klesmit and Davis playing a similar role. He needs to continue to develop his shot and would likely benefit from a RS year.

 

[Brewcrew82]

19 minutes ago, RedStickBrew said:

I share many of your thoughts on the future of the program.  We will have to see what happens with incoming and outgoing transfers, and with Wahl, to know what needs they will have to fill.

I agree with much of your analysis of the incoming class. Gus is probably the most equipped to come in and contribute.  I'm into comps so I'll share my Gus comp- he reminds me very much of a kid who played at LSU about 20 years ago by the name of Glen "Big Baby" Davis.  Similar physique, wing span, soft hands, great footwork, smooth shooter and soft touch.  If anything, Gus has more tools in the tool-kit at a similar age. I don't recall Glen Davis being a good perimeter shooter or post threat- he was deadly face-up from mid-range though.

I think Winter could contribute if pressed into duty, but he would most certainly benefit from a year of S&C.

Blackwell is physically ready and could contribute, I just don't see the minutes for him next year with Klesmit and Davis playing a similar role. He needs to continue to develop his shot and would likely benefit from a RS year.

 

While Klesmit and Davis are set to return, I’m not sure that’s an obstacle for Blackwell to get minutes. Klesmit in particular has been a godsend this year due to his defense and toughness. But I think Blackwell will manage to find a role as someone who can help negate our long-standing issues with athletic guards who can penetrate inside and drive to the rim. Not to mention he can play the point as well. I appreciate Kamari and Jordan, but Kamari is too small for most guards and Jordan is too inconsistent. Blackwell may not receive many minutes in the beginning of the season and may even pick up a DNP or two, but I think he eventually finds his way into playing time due to his defensive skill set. Especially for a defensive-oriented program such as UW.

[Jim French Stepstool]

5 hours ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

Jumping in on a few things:.

Big Picture:

I think the one-time transfer waiver has actually helped Bucky more than it's hurt. The really hard jobs these days are probably Dayton or VCU or Drake--really good programs in good conferences that used to really benefit from putting together a core group of players who aged together. Wisconsin can pick off guys like Klesmit (Wofford--another program that turned a strong core into an NCAA win and nearly a Sweet 16 in recent years), even if they lose other guys too.

Gard is a good coach. Wisconsin, as a team, has missed the tournament once in what? 25 years? And during a total reset year too. Gard was a big part of that, if not as head coach, then certainly as Bo's top guy. The big question is how well he'll adapt to the game's ongoing transfer, NIL revolution. He gets okay marks from me on the transfer side. If you told me Gard was going to coach for the next decade, I'd be happy about that. See Minnesota for what happens when a solid coach (Tubby) gets run out of town because fans think the team needs to be doing better than consistent tournament presence.

I still think the Badgers are in better than you think shape resume-wise. The Nebraska/Rutgers losses sting (perhaps the Nebraska one more so given the circumstances), but some good toughness shown in beating Michigan and Iowa.

The game-by-game: 

Purdue and Michigan present massive opportunities. Minnesota is a trap, all-pressure, no-reward game. I think Wisconsin needs 2 of 3 to feel pretty darn good. If you only get the Minnesota game, you're probably going to need a BTT win or two.

Impressed by McGee's recent minutes. Badgers need him to deliver some quality to spell Chuckie. As others have said, same goes for Jordan Davis. 

I'll end with this: Rooting for Iowa is probably even more annoying than rooting for Wisconsin, despite the fact the team is (I think pretty clearly) more talented. Just totally unable to get stops, especially on the road, a real Fran calling card. Badgers get this first quality, double-digit win of the year and jump 6 spots in the NET, adding Q1 wins for all those teams that have won at the Kohl.

 

Excellent thoughts. The automatic-eligibility thing w/regards to transfers has up to this point certainly benefitted UW. That said, I don't like it from an overall standpoint, due to your comments regarding how it effects mid to low-majors. I fear it'll put them in the position of a AA or AAA farm team to the power fives, which would stink. I'd much rather see a young man, after choosing a school, actually live out the definition of the term "commitment".

Having said that, I could live with a kid being eligible right away if a coach left/got fired/retired.

[Jim French Stepstool]

5 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Whispers about Andrew Rhode, from Brookfield, transferring to us from St. Thomas after the season. 6'6 Freshman guard averaging 16.2 points and 3.8 assists per game. Put up 15 against Creighton and 16 against Utah. He'd be a perfect addition at the starting 3 spot next to Connor and Chucky, which also would enable Klesmit to come off the bench. Then, if Wahl comes back for his COVID year, you'd have 4 guys who can pass the rock really well in the starting lineup between Rohde, Wahl, Hepburn, and Crowl, with Connor leading the scoring charge. 

That being said, we have to cross our fingers and hope that none of those guys transfer after the season, while one other scholarship player transfers out (Davis? Hodges? Ilver?), Would be nice if we didn't have Gilmore on scholarship, but I doubt they're taking him off at this point. 

Incoming freshman class should also add some real punch to the bench, too. Gus, I anticipate, will leap over Gilmore for the top reserve big, while Blackwell could find his way into key minutes at guard because of his length and defensive ability. Winter is difficult to get a read on. I think he has the most potential in the class, and he's really upped his game during his senior season, but that frame has me thinking he should redshirt. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if he ends up forcing his way into the rotation. 

 

I like what I've heard about Yalden, but one of the few question marks regards his post defense. He probably isn't the size advertised but supposedly plays bigger. If he struggles early with rotations, hedging on ball screens, boxing out & the like Carter might still get primary bench minutes. But sooner or later yeah, I expect Gus to pass him.

If Rohde can guard high-level wings he'd be a nice addition for sure. He'd fit in UW's offense; he'd also fit pretty well in Iowa's, who is also supposedly in the picture.

Blackwell is quietly having a real nice year. He's a talented wing on both ends of the floor. And if the 2/3 spots are a little crowded next year he could even challenge for backup minutes at the point.

Agree with your comments re Winter.

[Jim French Stepstool]

4 hours ago, RedStickBrew said:

I share many of your thoughts on the future of the program.  We will have to see what happens with incoming and outgoing transfers, and with Wahl, to know what needs they will have to fill.

I agree with much of your analysis of the incoming class. Gus is probably the most equipped to come in and contribute.  I'm into comps so I'll share my Gus comp- he reminds me very much of a kid who played at LSU about 20 years ago by the name of Glen "Big Baby" Davis.  Similar physique, wing span, soft hands, great footwork, smooth shooter and soft touch.  If anything, Gus has more tools in the tool-kit at a similar age. I don't recall Glen Davis being a good perimeter shooter or post threat- he was deadly face-up from mid-range though.

I think Winter could contribute if pressed into duty, but he would most certainly benefit from a year of S&C.

Blackwell is physically ready and could contribute, I just don't see the minutes for him next year with Klesmit and Davis playing a similar role. He needs to continue to develop his shot and would likely benefit from a RS year.

 

The "Big Baby" reference made me smile. Not a bad comp. If he can defend in the post..........I mean, he can, but can he from day one, or will it take a little time?

I think the roster makeup determines Winters' role--if any--next year. redshirting doesn't seem to be the "thing" it was in past years but I could see a scenario where it would be a good choice for him.

[Oxy]

Rohde would be an interesting get.  I don't think scholarship limits are particularly important anymore in these days of NIL, are they? Pretty easy for a walk-on to get compensated for tuition, room and board.  Combined with the transfer portal it's even less of an issue as only 8-9 guys see real court time in a season (unless injuries knock guys out), and with 13 scholarships a few of those guys at the end of the bench are going to look to greener pastures to get more playing time.

I think Yalden is going to need to play a lot of "point" center, roaming around the top of the key setting picks, making 3s and dishing to cutters.  His half court offensive game is a pleasure to watch, but watching him try to run from block-to-block to get back on D is painful.  I worry about his footspeed on D as well.  His long arms will hopefully make up for the lack of lateral quickness.  He does have smooth footwork on the offensive end, it's just a bit plodding and stuck to the hardwood.  That said, he's doing VERY well at La Lumiere against athletes who are actually comparable to what he'll be seeing at UW, something few recruits coming into a high DI program can say.  Pretty much JUST the ones playing in that national conference/league they play in.

If Wahl comes back there is no way both Hodges and Ilver come back as well.  We'd have Crowl and Wahl, then a bench full of bigs competing for the backup frontcourt spot: Gilmore, Ilver, Hodges, Yalden, Winter.  There just isn't enough time to go around unless Yalden and Winter BOTH RS, which doesn't seem likely.

[Jim French Stepstool]

3 hours ago, Oxy said:

Rohde would be an interesting get.  I don't think scholarship limits are particularly important anymore in these days of NIL, are they? Pretty easy for a walk-on to get compensated for tuition, room and board.  Combined with the transfer portal it's even less of an issue as only 8-9 guys see real court time in a season (unless injuries knock guys out), and with 13 scholarships a few of those guys at the end of the bench are going to look to greener pastures to get more playing time.

I think Yalden is going to need to play a lot of "point" center, roaming around the top of the key setting picks, making 3s and dishing to cutters.  His half court offensive game is a pleasure to watch, but watching him try to run from block-to-block to get back on D is painful.  I worry about his footspeed on D as well.  His long arms will hopefully make up for the lack of lateral quickness.  He does have smooth footwork on the offensive end, it's just a bit plodding and stuck to the hardwood.  That said, he's doing VERY well at La Lumiere against athletes who are actually comparable to what he'll be seeing at UW, something few recruits coming into a high DI program can say.  Pretty much JUST the ones playing in that national conference/league they play in.

If Wahl comes back there is no way both Hodges and Ilver come back as well.  We'd have Crowl and Wahl, then a bench full of bigs competing for the backup frontcourt spot: Gilmore, Ilver, Hodges, Yalden, Winter.  There just isn't enough time to go around unless Yalden and Winter BOTH RS, which doesn't seem likely.

I could see a "pick & pop" game from Yalden as well. Sort of what they used to do with Keaton Nankivil, although Keaton was probably a purer shooter while Gus is certainly a better post scorer. I also expect Crowl to get back some of his touch from outside after a year removed from the added strength. I agree that if anything holds Gus back from day one it'll be on the defensive side.

IF Rohde were to come here, that might also create roster movement as Luke Haertle & Jack Janicki play the same spot. I know, I know..........who cares, they're walkons. But we're not talking about guys who were added to be nothing more than scout team players. Janicki in particular had other options, including an offer from Wake Forest. It is what it is, when you can leave a place & immediately suit up elsewhere.

 

[Brewcrew82]

57 minutes ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

I could see a "pick & pop" game from Yalden as well. Sort of what they used to do with Keaton Nankivil, although Keaton was probably a purer shooter while Gus is certainly a better post scorer. I also expect Crowl to get back some of his touch from outside after a year removed from the added strength. I agree that if anything holds Gus back from day one it'll be on the defensive side.

IF Rohde were to come here, that might also create roster movement as Luke Haertle & Jack Janicki play the same spot. I know, I know..........who cares, they're walkons. But we're not talking about guys who were added to be nothing more than scout team players. Janicki in particular had other options, including an offer from Wake Forest. It is what it is, when you can leave a place & immediately suit up elsewhere.

 

I sort of get what you mean, but we are just about the last team that should be worrying about how adding more talent impacts the walk-ons right now...Either they use it as fuel to compete for playing time, or they move on. But no way in heck should we be turning down transfers because it might upset one of our walk-on players. 

[Jim French Stepstool]

1 hour ago, Brewcrew82 said:

I sort of get what you mean, but we are just about the last team that should be worrying about how adding more talent impacts the walk-ons right now...Either they use it as fuel to compete for playing time, or they move on. But no way in heck should we be turning down transfers because it might upset one of our walk-on players. 

We're on the same page. I'm not suggesting you turn down Rohde if he wants to come due to the walk-ons. It's just that IMO it's an indictment of how the current system pollutes what has been part of the basis of college sports for a long time. I know that sounds high & mighty, but both Leonhard & Fickell made similar references, and Tom Izzo is not at all a fan of what's going on. What I'd like to see, is when a student-athlete is stuck in a competitive situation for playing time at his school, or not receiving media attention due to being at a mid-major, he uses THAT as fuel & accepts the challenge. 

As long as Rohde can guard wings at this level, I'd like to see him in Madison. I just feel a little for St Thomas. Rohde was flying under the radar in HS & the Tommies took a chance on him, only to be treated like a farm team. I imagine someone will post "That's the way it is now, you have to adapt". And they'd be right. I just think it's kinda sad.

[homer]

I guess Franimal is just staring, but this feels like it should be a T:

 

[RedStickBrew]

26 minutes ago, homer said:

I guess Franimal is just staring, but this feels like it should be a T:

 

Total D-bag.  Not sure who I dislike more between Juwan or Fran.  I guess Fran hasn't thrown a haymaker at an opposing coach yet...

[yourout]

Indiana has the best set of really young guards in the B10.

Freshman Indiana point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino might be a one and done.

[MrTPlush]

7 hours ago, homer said:

I guess Franimal is just staring, but this feels like it should be a T:

 

That was weird and then the ref decided to take part in the odd altercation…

[Jim French Stepstool]

Iowa strikes me as kind of odd, especially when they play at home. Fran always puts on his little passion play with the refs, which seems to rub off on his players--I don't think there is any team in the Big Ten whose student-athletes are as demonstrative with officials as theirs--right down to the yellow clad fans at courtside doing their latest installment of "Look at me, we're getting screwed, I'm going berserk!!!" Just a freakshow.

Dangerous team though. Some are making it out that Michigan State choked that lead away today. I don't think MSU was all that bad in the last couple minutes. Made most of their FTs, only turned it over once or twice. Iowa just didn't miss.

[Jim French Stepstool]

8 hours ago, RedStickBrew said:

Total D-bag.  Not sure who I dislike more between Juwan or Fran.  I guess Fran hasn't thrown a haymaker at an opposing coach yet...

Flip a coin.😄

I was astounded at how well Howard had his team defending vs Rutgers the other day. If they carry it over to Sunday it'll be really tough for UW to go in there & win.

[Samurai Bucky]

19 hours ago, RedStickBrew said:

Total D-bag.  Not sure who I dislike more between Juwan or Fran.  I guess Fran hasn't thrown a haymaker at an opposing coach yet...

In all seriousness, what story do either of these guys tell the parents of these kids to get them to be on their team?  Especially Fran.  I would not want any of them coaching my son.

[RedStickBrew]

34 minutes ago, Samurai Bucky said:

In all seriousness, what story do either of these guys tell the parents of these kids to get them to be on their team?  Especially Fran.  I would not want any of them coaching my son.

This thought has crossed my mind many times.  My only answer is that it will maybe catch up to them as it did for Bobby Knight years ago.  Knight had to choke a player though before it really started to impact his recruiting as I recall. 

[Jim French Stepstool]

2 hours ago, RedStickBrew said:

This thought has crossed my mind many times.  My only answer is that it will maybe catch up to them as it did for Bobby Knight years ago.  Knight had to choke a player though before it really started to impact his recruiting as I recall. 

I think they'd both have a relatively short leash, if wins/tourney appearances become intermittent. I think Howard would be in trouble now if a couple of their league wins this season went the other way. No way I'd defend everything Knight did but he's several notches above both these guys as a coach & his successes were quite a buffer between him & job insecurity.

In Michigans' case, the nationwide popularity fueled by constant fellation by the national media plays a part, I think. They could have someone worse than Howard at the helm & probably still have SOME success on the recruiting trail. I remember the coverage by the Big Ten Network when Harbaugh was announced as their football coach. You'd think a new pope was being installed.

[Oxy]

How many 5 foot shots can rattle out? ridiculous. Playing a good game other than that, which is not a new problem.

[yourout]

If the refs continue to allow Michigan to play Purdue style defense Bucky has no chance.

[Jim French Stepstool]

17 minutes ago, Oxy said:

How many 5 foot shots can rattle out? ridiculous. Playing a good game other than that, which is not a new problem.

Agreed. I thought until the last 4-5 minutes of the half we showed good poise on the offensive end. But Hepburn needs to be better in the 2nd half.

I hate the "8 missed layups" comment from the announcer. That's lazy, and doesn't paint an accurate picture. We certainly need to figure out a way to finish but everything in the last 12 minutes or so of the half is being contested. UM is locking in on the defensive end, similar to the way they played at Rutgers, which I feared.

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

So:

You have to foul up three there. I know Gard hates that, but it's a one-and-one. I just can't think of a reason why you don't. Honestly, you could even foul on the inbound with 2.0 seconds left. Just disagree with Gard on that one.

Obviously, this team is better with Chuckie. I hope he is okay. BUT the offense was more fluid after he went out. Maybe something about not deferring to him quite so much. Klesmit especially really played his tail off, both ends of the floor. Essegian and Wahl great games too, and McGee was organized and did everything he was supposed to.

I really dislike Michigan, but this has been a great basketball game.

I am kind of feeling like it ends in a loss right now (down 3 as I type). It will sting because a sweep would have really separated these two teams.

[MrTPlush]

Steven Crowl made that questionable three attempt, so the entire team followed suit and instantly panicked while going full stupid.

[nate82]

Badgers are basically eliminated from the tourney with this loss.