2024 - 25 Wisconsin Basketball Thread

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

I'm honestly surprised Woodson is still employed. Everyone seems to know the writing is on the wall. Coaching is a tough gig, so not piling on here, but even he looked pretty disinterested after the 26-4 start. Not blaming the guy, either, because IU's history with coaches is so bad, but that just seems like a situation where everyone would want a fresh start as soon as possible. Maybe the brass are hoping he quits or something. Just seems like a lot of playing out the string happening there.

Villanova is going to open sooner than later too, I'd think. They've stopped the leaks a little but are looking way outside the NCAAT picture. Hard to see Neptune getting another year.

I wonder if maybe teams are keeping coaches around to have the best shot at the hot name in March? Maybe they're worried an interim would do an awesome job and put them in a tough position? Would OSU rather have Dusty May than Diebler? I don't know, just tossing things out there.

I hope Gard sticks around a while for a lot of reasons, but one of them is that I just want no part of having to wade through the coaching market in what seems like a never-ending search for a "better" guy. Stable coaching staff seems like it helps in an era of maximum player freedom.

[Jim French Stepstool]

5 hours ago, Playing Catch said:

Zrno looks like an absolute stud. I wish he'd chosen Wisconsin.

With that said, I'm really excited about the committed New Zealander, Hayden Jones. 247 lists him as a 6'5" shooting guard. Judging by his highlight videos, I see him playing a lot of point for Gard, a la Blackwell.

Have to admit I know very little about Jones. From what I've read he rebounds really well, goes & gets balls out of his area, really attacks the glass. If he does that, can play the wing & also handle some PG duties that's a lot of versatility. Nice to have Kirk Penney to open some of those doors in Australia & Zealand.

I see Zack Kinziger taking advantage of some openings in the backcourt right away. He shoots it more than well enough, and has enough of the defensive rudiments down that I think he can survive as a freshman. Coaches' son. Probably better off the ball in college but has handled PG. If Jones can also handle the point as you speculate that would give them a continued 'positionless' look, which would be great.

[Jim French Stepstool]

57 minutes ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

I'm honestly surprised Woodson is still employed. Everyone seems to know the writing is on the wall. Coaching is a tough gig, so not piling on here, but even he looked pretty disinterested after the 26-4 start. Not blaming the guy, either, because IU's history with coaches is so bad, but that just seems like a situation where everyone would want a fresh start as soon as possible. Maybe the brass are hoping he quits or something. Just seems like a lot of playing out the string happening there.

Villanova is going to open sooner than later too, I'd think. They've stopped the leaks a little but are looking way outside the NCAAT picture. Hard to see Neptune getting another year.

I wonder if maybe teams are keeping coaches around to have the best shot at the hot name in March? Maybe they're worried an interim would do an awesome job and put them in a tough position? Would OSU rather have Dusty May than Diebler? I don't know, just tossing things out there.

I hope Gard sticks around a while for a lot of reasons, but one of them is that I just want no part of having to wade through the coaching market in what seems like a never-ending search for a "better" guy. Stable coaching staff seems like it helps in an era of maximum player freedom.

Some of the stuff I hear/read speculates that Woodson is more of an "NBA guy" & not suited for the college game. Not sure if that's true, but I agree his team didn't exactly look over-motivated on Tuesday. I guess an administration can be less concerned about letting someone finish out the season when developing a relationship with a recruit takes a backseat to just writing out a check (Zrno is a foreigner but there are still ways to get him paid).

My gut tells me Greg Gard is in the Ryan-Alvarez mold, where he's here for as long as they want him. Hope I'm right. I love how he's built the staff, too. Randall & Penney are great adds, Wodajo can (maybe) re-establish some ties to Milwaukee. And I get the feeling Stiemsma is going to be a great teacher for Greppi & Garlock.

I wonder if Krabbenhoft is on the verge of landing a HC job somewhere in the Dakotas or Minny.

[Samurai Bucky]

4 hours ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

I'm honestly surprised Woodson is still employed. Everyone seems to know the writing is on the wall. Coaching is a tough gig, so not piling on here, but even he looked pretty disinterested after the 26-4 start. Not blaming the guy, either, because IU's history with coaches is so bad, but that just seems like a situation where everyone would want a fresh start as soon as possible. Maybe the brass are hoping he quits or something. Just seems like a lot of playing out the string happening there.

Villanova is going to open sooner than later too, I'd think. They've stopped the leaks a little but are looking way outside the NCAAT picture. Hard to see Neptune getting another year.

I wonder if maybe teams are keeping coaches around to have the best shot at the hot name in March? Maybe they're worried an interim would do an awesome job and put them in a tough position? Would OSU rather have Dusty May than Diebler? I don't know, just tossing things out there.

I hope Gard sticks around a while for a lot of reasons, but one of them is that I just want no part of having to wade through the coaching market in what seems like a never-ending search for a "better" guy. Stable coaching staff seems like it helps in an era of maximum player freedom.

Well... he is probably surprised he is still employed, too... 😉

I wonder if Zrno would consider transferring.

 

[Jim French Stepstool]

ESPN reported earlier this evening that Woodson is indeed stepping down, but will finish out the season. Booster support (or lack of) is always a big deal, but I suspect it is particularly potent with Hoosier hoops. I think it took the form of a grass-roots sort of groundswell that kept Bob Knight there longer than the administration wanted.

Apparently Zrnos' top four along with IU were UW, Virginia & Creighton. So, two of those four will be looking for new hires (I'm assuming UVA joins Indiana on that list).

Speaking of Virginia, I think Tony Bennett would be a great fit at IU & I would at least call him if I were them. But I believe he's had his fill. I also believe they'd (wrongly) pan him for not being a 'younger hire'.

Maybe they'll shout out to Tom Crean😁.

[Playing Catch]

18 hours ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

I see Zack Kinziger taking advantage of some openings in the backcourt right away. He shoots it more than well enough, and has enough of the defensive rudiments down that I think he can survive as a freshman.

Kinzinger looks like the guard version of Ben Carlson to me. Seemingly has enough body/athleticism, and can shoot, but moves a little stiff for my liking. I think he'll be a successful sniper, but I'm not sure about his overall game to really pop in college. With that said, I thought Carlson would be Keaton Nankivil.

[homer]

Freitag is probably PG of the future assuming he sticks around. Who knows who will stay and go these days.

[Jim French Stepstool]

6 hours ago, Playing Catch said:

Kinzinger looks like the guard version of Ben Carlson to me. Seemingly has enough body/athleticism, and can shoot, but moves a little stiff for my liking. I think he'll be a successful sniper, but I'm not sure about his overall game to really pop in college. With that said, I thought Carlson would be Keaton Nankivil.

Fair assessment. IMO his overall game might suffer if he relied just on athleticism, but I think anticipation & overall understanding of the game can help equalize that.

Many people compare him to Josh Gasser. From what I've seen, I see more of a Ben Brust w/ a little better ball skills, which sounds like it may be more in line with how you also view him. I think his early success depends on any adjustments to the speed of the college game.

[Jim French Stepstool]

6 hours ago, homer said:

Freitag is probably PG of the future assuming he sticks around. Who knows who will stay and go these days.

For someone getting next to no playing time, he seems to be very engaged on the bench. But, so did Essegian. Whether it's here or somewhere else, there's a lot of sloppiness that needs to be corrected. I hope he sticks around & goes through his learning curve here. They've had guards who barely played their 1st year & had very good careers.

 

[Oxy]

20 hours ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

For someone getting next to no playing time, he seems to be very engaged on the bench. But, so did Essegian. Whether it's here or somewhere else, there's a lot of sloppiness that needs to be corrected. I hope he sticks around & goes through his learning curve here. They've had guards who barely played their 1st year & had very good careers.

 

I wonder about Camren Hunter as well.  He seems to have been injured all year so I don't think he's ever shown what he is capable of.

[Jim French Stepstool]

116 pts last time notwithstanding, Iowa needs to be taken seriously, especially over there. If Michigan can lose at Minnesota........

I want to see UW guard/run them off the 3pt line, which is critical to Iowas' offense. We seemed to clean up the TO issues vs Indiana, but I expect Iowa to throw in the press/halfcourt trap which is maybe the one thing they do fairly well defensively.

Would love to see Crowl get lathered up in the paint, get the ball & finish. Seems to be a big advantage there.

[yourout]

Nice win. Showed some grit down the stretch.

[Oxy]

Great 2nd half.  Iowa played really well in the first half and just couldn't keep it up after that.  Had UW made a couple shots in the first 5 minutes after the half it would've been easier than it even was.  On Wisconsin.

[Jim French Stepstool]

1 hour ago, Oxy said:

Great 2nd half.  Iowa played really well in the first half and just couldn't keep it up after that.  Had UW made a couple shots in the first 5 minutes after the half it would've been easier than it even was.  On Wisconsin.

Under 30% overall shooting for Iowa in the 2nd half, 3-12 from 3pt. Up 57-51, UW gave up a fairly decent look from 3, then a real good one, both makes. Other than that the defense in the 2nd half was great. Loved seeing Tonje just take over & help seal the game from the line.

Agree re the early minutes of the 2nd half. Even with Crowl drawing double teams & mostly being shut down, I wanted to see more post touches coming out of the locker room. But I love seeing Crowl stay positive & contribute even when the scoring numbers aren't there. Tied for game honors in rebounds, a block, three😲 steals and only one TO in 30 minutes.

[yourout]

51 minutes ago, Jim French Stepstool said:

Under 30% overall shooting for Iowa in the 2nd half, 3-12 from 3pt. Up 57-51, UW gave up a fairly decent look from 3, then a real good one, both makes. Other than that the defense in the 2nd half was great. Loved seeing Tonje just take over & help seal the game from the line.

Agree re the early minutes of the 2nd half. Even with Crowl drawing double teams & mostly being shut down, I wanted to see more post touches coming out of the locker room. But I love seeing Crowl stay positive & contribute even when the scoring numbers aren't there. Tied for game honors in rebounds, a block, three😲 steals and only one TO in 30 minutes.

It seems to have became a much better rebounder after Gard kind of jabbed him in the press early in the season.

[homer]

Looks like UW has the easiest remaining schedule of the top 4 teams in the Big. They could sneak into a 3 seed if they beat either Purdue or MSU and take care of things against the rest of their opponents.

[RedStickBrew]

This teams improvement on the defensive end is a welcome development as we head into tournament season

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

Style aside, this has the feel of a vintage Badger team. Obviously, they play faster and are more athletic, but the toughness that was missing a little bit these last few years (Chuckie aside) is on full display in these road games. The Pitt win too. Just a team that keeps coming at you, and Blackwell and Tonje are absolute gamers. 

Good time for a mini-bye. If they can get one of the big road games (and take care of business the rest of the way), you'll feel awfully good about their chances.

[RedStickBrew]

48 minutes ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

Style aside, this has the feel of a vintage Badger team. 

It will be interesting to reflect on this after the season is over. This team has really embraced modern analytics. They hunt quality shots early in the shot clock. They focus on getting in the paint, to the free throw line, and shooting threes.

You can really see those offensive skill characteristics reflected in the players they have brought into the program lately. 

[Jim French Stepstool]

1 hour ago, Cool Hand Lucroy said:

 

Good time for a mini-bye. If they can get one of the big road games (and take care of business the rest of the way), you'll feel awfully good about their chances.

Heading into WL, you take any edge you can get. Agreed this is a pretty good time to have the week off to prep while PU goes into Ann Arbor Tuesday to deal with Michigan & their bigs.

[Jim French Stepstool]

11 minutes ago, RedStickBrew said:

It will be interesting to reflect on this after the season is over. This team has really embraced modern analytics. They hunt quality shots early in the shot clock. They focus on getting in the paint, to the free throw line, and shooting threes.

You can really see those offensive skill characteristics reflected in the players they have brought into the program lately. 

All good points. I'd add that they seem to be terrific at targeting guys that are also good fits AFA being willing to work, open to improvement & being part of a team. Those sound like cliches, but I think many programs don't always put that stuff in the forefront & it comes back to bite them.

[Playing Catch]

I'm one of those guys that values the league above everything. Much like playoff baseball, I feel that one-game, or short-series elimination tournaments allow for too much chance to be used to define a season.

For that reason, I still rue that home loss to Michigan. I think the Badgers get at least a share of the title if they win out. I'm not predicting this, of course. The Badgers would need to find that 6th gear. I think they have it in them, but Blackwell has looked so tired (I think he's been nursing a leg injury since early January -- he's just doesn't look as explosive as he has in the past). Klesmit's ankle still looks to be bugging him just a little bit.

This team still doesn't seem to have found its identity. Coming into the season, I would have expected Klesmit to be the team leader, and I'm sure he is, but I really wanted to see Blackwell blossom into the late-game boss that he's shown before, where he switches on and takes over the game on both ends.

[valpocrewsader]

Recognition for Gard in this article about Coach of the Year candidates: 

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-coach-of-the-year-candidates

[Jim French Stepstool]

7 hours ago, valpocrewsader said:

Recognition for Gard in this article about Coach of the Year candidates: 

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/mens-college-basketball-coach-of-the-year-candidates

I'd temper the rankings of Pearl & Pitino a little just based on the talent & resources they have to work with, but that's a pretty good list. I might put McCollum somewhere in the top ten; Drake is going to have a heckuva time trying to retain him. Maybe Dusty May too.

 

[Jim French Stepstool]

To pull off an upset on Saturday, I think UW needs to do a consistently good job defensively on Loyer & Smith, especially Smith, not only trying to force tougher shots but in the case of Smith, try to keep him from getting the ball back once he gives it up. He plays a lot of minutes, so different defenders on him, and run him through screens on the other end. Wear the guy out. Whoever guards Kaufman-Renn needs to be active & hopefully make him a jump shooter. An experienced, sound team. Michigan did us no favors when they beat PU this week; they'll come in hungry. Wouldn't mind if the game is called closely re fouls as PU isn't overly deep; but I doubt that happens in their place. If we can defend well the game will be a rock fight, and our 'rocks' will be Blackwell & Tonje trying to get downhill & draw contact, Klesmit getting into the lane & being active (he's shown signs of getting back to that), and hopefully Gilmore continuing to disrupt things & maybe even knock down a couple shots.

I'm sure the word is out re Winter & securing the ball in the paint & on rebounds. This would be a good day to exorcise the fumble-itis.

Might feel strange for Crowl facing this group w/o giving up 5 inches in his matchup.