Wisconsin Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMBig Ten BasketballWisconsin Badgers

Nov 8

Our Wisconsin basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that the Badgers have been to the Big Dance three of the last five tournaments. In 2017, they went to the Sweet 16. In the 2021 NCAA Tournament, after finishing sixth in the Big Ten, Wisconsin (18-13 Overall, 10-10 Big Ten) was eliminated in the Round of 32. A primary reason for their recent success has to do with the program’s stability and the experience and depth of its players. However, for coach Greg Gard (119-70 Wisconsin/Overall/6 years) this year is different. Six seniors and one transfer from last year’s team are gone. That means there are a lot of spots to fill and most of those players who take over those positions won’t have half the experience of those who left.

Badgers Frontcourt

With both centers gone, 7’0”, 217-pound sophomore Steven Crowl, who played 12 games last season, may take over. Although a 50.0 percent field-goal shooter, there’s an issue with his his lack of playing time. Crowl only saw a total of 36 minutes of action last year. An alternative could be transfer Chris Vogt (Cincinnati). As a junior with the Bearcats, Vogt averaged 11.0 PPG and 5.9 RPG. Conversely, having played for four years, Vogt, unlike Crowl, has seen plenty of college basketball action. Our Wisconsin basketball preview 2021 - 22 projects that junior forward Tyler Wahl, who appeared in 31 games while starting 18 last season, will become a starter. Wahl is noted for his hustle and ability to guard numerous positions. He shot 43.6 percent from the floor and averaged 24.7 MPG. If 6’9” forward Ben Carlson can remain injury-free, he’ll likely start. Carlson developing an effective outside shot would be a huge benefit for the Badgers, as they lack long range scorers.

Wisconsin Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Senior 2-guard Brad Davison (10.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG) may be asked to give the point position a try. This is partly due to his maturity, but it’s also because Wisconsin has limited choices when it comes to the point. Wake Forest transfer Jahcobi Neath is another candidate for point guard. Although the junior saw his three-point success rate drop to 22.2 percent last year, his freshman three-pointers hit 48 percent of the time. If he can shoot at that rate again, he’ll be on the court. Also, stellar freshman Chucky Hepburn will be given an opportunity to man the point. Although each of these possible solutions may be viable, each comes with a load of uncertainty. As a freshman last year, sophomore Jonathan Davis proved to be a natural shooting guard. He averaged a healthy 7.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.1 SPG. Plus, Davis played for the USA Basketball U19 World Cup Team this summer, giving him additional, valuable experience. He could start this season.