A Hoop of Baby Badgers

2017 Wisconsin Badgers
12/28/2017  dwm photo

Maybe the best indicator of how good Badger men's basketball has been for a while, in each of the last 16 B1G conference seasons, they never finished lower than 4th place.

Just think about it.  That requires consistency. Some luck when it comes to injuries; good players; and excellent coaching.

If the Badgers extend the streak to 17 this year, it would top the streak itself, at least in the short term.

Khalil Iverson lays it in.
12/28/2017  dwm

Looking on from a comfy perch 20 rows above the court thanks to tickets from a good friend, I watched Wisconsin play Chicago State Wednesday night.  The Badgers won, but it wasn't a convincing victory for the team in cardinal and white.

Youth is a major factor on this team, which has one senior (who doesn't play much) and one junior, their best player.  There are a lot of freshmen and sophomores.  Two are hurt and one, Kobe King, is out for the season.

Bucky poses with a fan
12/28/17  dwm

I expect to see Coach Greg Gard improve the team through the season.  By the time the conference tournament rolls around at the end of February, this team will look much better.  They may not be far from putting it all together, but they don't have it yet.

This team will rely on Ethan Happ to lead the way.  Freshman Brad Davison is already a team leader and an impressive player, it will be fun to watch his career.  The rest of the rotation - Brevin Pritzl, Khalil Iverson, and Aleem Ford have shown glimpses of potential - isn't able to deliver the same performance game in and game out.  Iverson clearly is a major talent; but hasn't put it all together for every game yet.

Coach Greg Gard.
12/28/17   dwm

It is a big change in expectations for Badger fans.

After dreaming about a championship in 2015 when Bucky made a second trip to the Final Four, this route looks difficult. 

It may take some time, maybe a full season, but when this group gets it and kicks into gear, it will be rewarding to fans who stuck with this promising group of ball players.  Go Badgers!