Wisconsin Basketball

[daleko]

Hot 3-point shooting carries Wisconsin to 2nd straight win of overseas trip

The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team put on a 3-point shooting clinic Thursday during the second game of its international tour.

Junior forward Andy Van Vliet scored 14 points as the Badgers rolled to an 87-53 victory over the New Zealand Breakers in Tauranga, New Zealand.

UW went 15 of 27 from 3-point range (55.6 percent) and shot 49.3 percent overall to beat the Breakers for the second time in three days.

Sophomore point guard D’Mitrik Trice added 12 points for the Badgers, who also got nine points apiece from freshman guard Kobe King and freshman forward Nathan Reuvers and eight from sophomore guard Brevin Pritzl.

Van Vliet, a native of Belgium, is looking to make an impact in his third season at UW. He sat out his freshman season after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA and played only 48 minutes last season, contributing 18 points and 20 rebounds in the limited action.

UW coach Greg Gard mixed up his starting lineup Thursday, and one of the players he wanted to see early was Van Vliet. The only holdover in the starting group, Pritzl, was joined on the floor by Van Vliet, junior center Charlie Thomas, redshirt freshman forward Aleem Ford and freshman point guard Brad Davison.

That group helped the Badgers jump out to an 11-0 start. Van Vliet went 3 of 3 from beyond the arc in the first half and had 11 points by halftime.

Next up for UW is a flight to Australia, where it will play three games.

[daleko]

Badgers men's basketball: 2017-18 schedule features challenging start for Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard will learn a lot about his young team during the first 30 days of the 2017-18 season.

By that time, the Badgers will have played 11 games. It’s an opening stretch that includes two Big Ten games and five non-conference games against teams that reached the 2017 NCAA tournament.

UW’s complete schedule was released Wednesday, and multiple words could be used to describe it. Three that come to mind at first glance: Busy, difficult and, in some instances, strange.

The Big Ten portion of the slate was bound to look different after the conference decided to move up the conference tournament by a week so it could be played in New York. That event will be played Feb. 28 through March 4 at Madison Square Garden.

As a result, each Big Ten team will play two conference games in early December. UW opens conference play at home against Ohio State on Dec. 2 and travels to Penn State for a game two days later.

The other unique part of the Big Ten schedule is the number of games being played on Monday and Friday. The Badgers have three of each.

UW, which is currently on an offseason trip to New Zealand and Australia that will include five exhibition games, lost four starters from a team that won 27 games and advanced to the Sweet 16 last season.

The only returning starter for the Badgers is junior center Ethan Happ, a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2016-17.

UW hasn’t finished a season below fourth place in the Big Ten since 2001, but that streak will be tested this season.

One difficult stretch for the Badgers comes shortly after the calendar turns to 2018, when their only home game over the course of 26 days comes on Jan. 19 against Illinois. UW plays five road games in that span, including trips to Purdue, Iowa and Michigan State.

UW closes the regular season with four of its final five games at home, but it’s by no means a cakewalk to the finish line. Michigan, Purdue, Minnesota and Michigan State visit the Kohl Center during that stretch, which also includes UW hitting the road for a game against Northwestern at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

The final week, which includes three games in six days, is a doozy: Home games against Minnesota and Michigan State — two of the favorites in the Big Ten — sandwiched around the game against Northwestern.

UW also will be tested during a stretch of eight games in 20 days in November and December. That run includes two games in the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City; a home game against UW-Milwaukee the day after Thanksgiving; a trip to Virginia for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge; the two Big Ten games followed quickly by a game at Temple on Dec. 6; and a matchup with in-state rival Marquette on Dec. 9.

“As is usually the case, by the time the calendar hits 2018 we will be well tested,” Gard said in a statement. “Our non-conference schedule this season will be as challenging as ever.

“The addition of the two Big Ten games in December will also no doubt expedite our growth in the early stages of the season.

“We have a lot of early Big Ten road games on our schedule, but at the end of the day you get nine at home and nine on the road, so it really doesn’t matter when they occur. In fact, the funny thing is, we’re on a five-game road trip right now in New Zealand and Australia. So we’ll be prepared.”

[daleko]

Kobe King scores 18 as Wisconsin stays unbeaten on overseas trip

Freshman guard Kobe King led the way with 18 points for UW in his first start on the trip. The La Crosse native went 6 of 8 from the field and 6 of 7 from the free throw line while also grabbing five rebounds, including four on the offensive end.

King is averaging 10.0 points through three games, second only to sophomore guard Brevin Pritzl (14.3).

Sophomore guard D’Mitrik Trice added 11 points and junior swingman Khalil Iverson had 10 for UW.

Seven UW players have reached double figures in at least one game on the trip.

The Badgers led 46-42 at the half but outscored the Magic 18-8 in the third quarter to stretch their lead to double figures.

Freshman guard Brad Davison and junior center Ethan Happ scored nine points apiece to help UW’s bench produce a 32-4 scoring advantage.

Next up for UW is a game against Melbourne United on Sunday. The United beat Texas 85-75 earlier this week.

The Badgers wrap up their five-game trip against the Sydney Kings on Tuesday.

[daleko]

Blown lead in 1st loss of overseas trip serves as good lesson for young Badgers

The final minute of the game Sunday provided a valuable learning experience for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team.

The Badgers had a chance to improve to 4-0 on their trip to New Zealand and Australia but couldn’t close the deal against Melbourne United.

Jerry Evans’ 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds remaining gave United a 90-89 victory over the Badgers, who led by as many as 10 points early in the fourth quarter and had a four-point lead in the closing minute.

Sophomore guard D’Mitrik Trice scored 19 points to lead the Badgers, who also got 18 from freshman guard Kobe King, 14 from junior center Ethan Happ and 11 from junior forward Andy Van Vliet.

UW trailed by 14 points early in the second quarter, but it erased that deficit with a sizzling offense over the middle two quarters of the game.

The Badgers averaged 1.37 points per possession in the second quarter and a robust 1.88 in the third. UW finished the game 12 of 20 from 3-point range.

Happ’s steal led to Trice finding junior swingman Khalil Iverson for a dunk in transition that gave UW an 89-85 lead with 46.9 seconds remaining.

But Majok Majok scored quickly to cut Melbourne’s deficit to two points and UW followed by ending a sloppy possession with a shot-clock violation.

Chris Goulding drove and found Evans wide open in the left corner for a 3-pointer that gave the United the lead. UW had a chance to win the game, but a 3-point attempt by sophomore guard Brevin Pritzl was deflected and time expired.

Melbourne’s Tai Wesley scored 23 points to lead all scorers. United also got 15 points from Goulding, 13 from Damon Bozeman and 12 apiece from Evans and Majok.

UW will play its final game of the trip on Tuesday.

[daleko]

Freshman Davison shines as UW finishes tour Down Under at 4-1


SYDNEY, Australia - For the fifth consecutive game, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team had a different leading scorer on its overseas tour Down Under.

And for the fifth consecutive time, that leading scorer's name wasn't Ethan Happ.

Freshman guard Brad Davison scored 23 points as the Badgers beat the Sydney Kings, 83-71, on Tuesday night to finish 4-1 on their exhibition tour.

Happ did score 15 points against the Kings and finished the trip averaging 12.0 points per game. The preseason All-American also tallied nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals against Syndey.

"I think the different leading scorers shows the diversity of this team and how we can get production from a lot of different ways," UW coach Greg Gard said. "The potential of this group is what has the coaching staff so excited."

D'Mitrik Trice poured in 16 points against the Kings to go with four rebounds and four assists. He was one of four Badgers to average double figures on the tour, finishing with 12.4 points per game. He was closely followed by Happ's 12.0, as well as 11.4 from Brevin Pritzl and 11.2 from Davison.

"My teammates did a great job of finding me in open spots and I did my best to create open opportunities for everyone on the floor," Davison said. "I've been working on my shot this week, so it felt good to see some go in."

Wisconsin trailed, 55-50, midway through the third quarter before Davison capped a 9-2 run with a driving layup, giving the Badgers a 59-57 lead. Davison later helped UW extend the lead to 74-62 with 5 minutes remaining, scoring eight consecutive points on back-to-back three-pointers and another bucket inside.

"We've gotten contributions from a lot of different areas," Gard said. "I've seen some guys that are new to the program take big steps here in the last 10 days that we've been here.

"I've also seen guys that have been in the program take big steps forward. I think we were able to accomplish and get out of this trip what we wanted to get out of it. "

[daleko]

Tracy Webster leads star-studded group into Wisconsin Hall of Fame

Tracy Webster’s career with the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program ended more than two decades ago, yet he’s still the Badgers’ all-time leader in assists.

“That kind of surprises me,” Webster said. “I’m sure (the record) will be broken, maybe soon. I truly believe it will.”

Webster had 501 assists in only three seasons at UW. Of course, back when he was the team’s starting point guard from 1991 to '94, the Badgers played a much more up-tempo style that was perfectly suited for Webster.

The program has changed a lot since Webster capped off a brilliant career by helping the Badgers reach the NCAA tournament in 1994, ending a 47-year drought. Any discussion of key figures in the Badgers’ rise from Big Ten doormat to nationally relevant program has to include Webster, who will be inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday.

Webster is part of a star-studded 11-member class that includes Darrell Bevell (football); Brooks Bollinger (football); the late Bob Suter (men’s hockey); Brian Elliott (men’s hockey); Sara Bauer (women’s hockey); Tamara Moore (women’s basketball); Chris Solinsky (men’s cross country and track and field); the late Arlie Schardt (men’s cross country and track and field). The late Guy Lowman will be honored in the coach/staff category and UW marching band director Mike Leckrone will be honored in the special service category.

“I look at it as a big-time honor,” Webster said. “I thank all the people that helped me get to this point.”

Webster was reminded earlier this week of how one huge decision 25 years ago could have changed the course of his life.

He was almost finished with his sophomore season at UW — Webster had sat out the previous season due to Proposition 48 — when Badgers coach Steve Yoder was forced to resign. As Webster waited for Yoder’s replacement to be hired, he told reporters the chances of him returning to UW for his junior season were 50-50.

“I’ll always remember what one of my (high school) teachers said: ‘For every cloud, there’s a silver lining,’ ” said Webster, who grew up Chicago suburb of Harvey, Illinois, and was a standout at Thornton High School. “So even after it was over, when coach Yoder was gone, I tried to look at the big picture.”

UW hired Stu Jackson, and Webster stayed in Madison. Two years later, Webster and the Badgers were playing in the NCAA tournament on a team that also included Michael Finley and Rashard Griffith.

That season ended with a second-round loss to Missouri, but it will be remembered most for UW ending an NCAA tournament drought that dated to 1947. Starting with that breakthrough run, the Badgers have advanced to the NCAA tournament in 21 of the past 24 seasons, including 19 in a row.

“I don’t look at it like I helped Wisconsin get on the map, I look at it like Wisconsin is representing right now,” Webster said. “I’m always happy when those guys are playing because they try to do it the right way.”

Had Webster transferred from UW after Yoder's departure, Webster might have never met Tim Buckley, a member of Jackson’s staff. It was Buckley who gave Webster his first NCAA Division I assistant coaching job at Ball State, setting Webster on a path that included stops at Purdue, Illinois, Kentucky, DePaul, Nebraska, Tennessee and California.

Webster, who got his start as an assistant at Verona High School and later worked at UW-Parkside, is out of the college game for the first time in almost 20 years. He and his wife Shenetta live in Atlanta, where Webster trains high school, college and professional athletes.

Stepping away from the grind of college athletics has given Webster a chance to take a breath and enjoy a less-hectic schedule.

“I’ll be able to celebrate anniversaries. I’ll be able to get to Thanksgiving,” he said. “I’ll even be able to get to the ceremony on Friday because I don’t have to worry about an official recruiting visit.”

Webster’s lone regret is that his mother, Norma, won’t be there to see him get inducted. She died a few years ago.

But he’s looking forward to the weekend and is excited to catch up with his former teammate Howard Moore, a member of UW’s coaching staff.

“That’s the place,” Webster said, “that helped me grow.”

As for his assists record, Webster is more than ready to pass the baton. He said he’s even had a discussion with Travis Trice Sr., the father of UW sophomore point guard D’Mitrik Trice.

“I told him that (D’Mitrik) has got to go get that record,” Webster said. “It’s time for it to move.”

[mscott59]

side note here, but it's cool to see the band director receive an athletic hof honor in madison. that's so much a part of the college sports experience at uw and, obviously, many other school. kudos to those who made that decision.

Sept 27, 2017 19:35:48 GMT -5 daleko said:

Tracy Webster leads star-studded group into Wisconsin Hall of Fame

Tracy Webster’s career with the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program ended more than two decades ago, yet he’s still the Badgers’ all-time leader in assists.

“That kind of surprises me,” Webster said. “I’m sure (the record) will be broken, maybe soon. I truly believe it will.”

Webster had 501 assists in only three seasons at UW. Of course, back when he was the team’s starting point guard from 1991 to '94, the Badgers played a much more up-tempo style that was perfectly suited for Webster.

The program has changed a lot since Webster capped off a brilliant career by helping the Badgers reach the NCAA tournament in 1994, ending a 47-year drought. Any discussion of key figures in the Badgers’ rise from Big Ten doormat to nationally relevant program has to include Webster, who will be inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday.

Webster is part of a star-studded 11-member class that includes Darrell Bevell (football); Brooks Bollinger (football); the late Bob Suter (men’s hockey); Brian Elliott (men’s hockey); Sara Bauer (women’s hockey); Tamara Moore (women’s basketball); Chris Solinsky (men’s cross country and track and field); the late Arlie Schardt (men’s cross country and track and field). The late Guy Lowman will be honored in the coach/staff category and UW marching band director Mike Leckrone will be honored in the special service category.

“I look at it as a big-time honor,” Webster said. “I thank all the people that helped me get to this point.”

Webster was reminded earlier this week of how one huge decision 25 years ago could have changed the course of his life.

He was almost finished with his sophomore season at UW — Webster had sat out the previous season due to Proposition 48 — when Badgers coach Steve Yoder was forced to resign. As Webster waited for Yoder’s replacement to be hired, he told reporters the chances of him returning to UW for his junior season were 50-50.

“I’ll always remember what one of my (high school) teachers said: ‘For every cloud, there’s a silver lining,’ ” said Webster, who grew up Chicago suburb of Harvey, Illinois, and was a standout at Thornton High School. “So even after it was over, when coach Yoder was gone, I tried to look at the big picture.”

UW hired Stu Jackson, and Webster stayed in Madison. Two years later, Webster and the Badgers were playing in the NCAA tournament on a team that also included Michael Finley and Rashard Griffith.

That season ended with a second-round loss to Missouri, but it will be remembered most for UW ending an NCAA tournament drought that dated to 1947. Starting with that breakthrough run, the Badgers have advanced to the NCAA tournament in 21 of the past 24 seasons, including 19 in a row.

“I don’t look at it like I helped Wisconsin get on the map, I look at it like Wisconsin is representing right now,” Webster said. “I’m always happy when those guys are playing because they try to do it the right way.”

Had Webster transferred from UW after Yoder's departure, Webster might have never met Tim Buckley, a member of Jackson’s staff. It was Buckley who gave Webster his first NCAA Division I assistant coaching job at Ball State, setting Webster on a path that included stops at Purdue, Illinois, Kentucky, DePaul, Nebraska, Tennessee and California.

Webster, who got his start as an assistant at Verona High School and later worked at UW-Parkside, is out of the college game for the first time in almost 20 years. He and his wife Shenetta live in Atlanta, where Webster trains high school, college and professional athletes.

Stepping away from the grind of college athletics has given Webster a chance to take a breath and enjoy a less-hectic schedule.

“I’ll be able to celebrate anniversaries. I’ll be able to get to Thanksgiving,” he said. “I’ll even be able to get to the ceremony on Friday because I don’t have to worry about an official recruiting visit.”

Webster’s lone regret is that his mother, Norma, won’t be there to see him get inducted. She died a few years ago.

But he’s looking forward to the weekend and is excited to catch up with his former teammate Howard Moore, a member of UW’s coaching staff.

“That’s the place,” Webster said, “that helped me grow.”

As for his assists record, Webster is more than ready to pass the baton. He said he’s even had a discussion with Travis Trice Sr., the father of UW sophomore point guard D’Mitrik Trice.

“I told him that (D’Mitrik) has got to go get that record,” Webster said. “It’s time for it to move.”

[Deleted]

Wisky has been a surprise so far, but not in a good way. It looks like a hard drop from the Elite Eight to currently being 9-10 overall and towards the bottom of the BIG.

[bamorin]

Jan 19, 2018 10:03:54 GMT -5 ETGator1 said:

Wisky has been a surprise so far, but not in a good way. It looks like a hard drop from the Elite Eight to currently being 9-10 overall and towards the bottom of the BIG.

Kentucky has no worries this year.........Oh wait, they could face off in the NITs

[daleko]

On Tuesday afternoon, Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ officially declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, but he will not hire an agent.

This was expected, as Happ told reporters after Wisconsin’s final game of the season—a 63–60 loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament on March 3—that he would test the professional basketball waters.

Tuesday’s declaration allows him to attend the NBA Combine from May 16–20 in Chicago if he receives an invitation. He can withdraw his entry by June 11 at 5 p.m. ET to return to Wisconsin, which is possible because he has not hired an agent.

“Ethan and I have talked multiple times about his future and our coaching staff fully supports his decision to explore the NBA Draft,” Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard said in a release from UW on Tuesday. “This is a great opportunity for him to gather information directly from the source, NBA personnel. The underclassmen rule allows Ethan and others to participate in workouts with teams and potentially the NBA combine. This experience will be invaluable for him and will ultimately make him a better player.”

Back in early March, Happ appeared to make it clear that he would come back for his redshirt senior campaign if he was not a first-round projection, while also noting he would not consider the NBA’s G-League.

Happ led the Badgers last season in scoring (17.9 points per game), rebounding (8.0 rebounds), assists (3.7), steals (49 overall), and blocks (35 overall). He also claimed first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and was named a 2018 NABC second-team All-District selection.

If he returns they'll be back in the tourney.

[bamorin]

Apr 4, 2018 11:55:04 GMT -5 daleko said:

If he returns they'll be back in the tourney.

Maybe..........depends if they fill 1/4 of the tourney up again with......ummm you know who........

[daleko]

Apr 4, 2018 15:33:28 GMT -5 bamorin said:

Apr 4, 2018 11:55:04 GMT -5 daleko said:

If he returns they'll be back in the tourney.

Maybe..........depends if they fill 1/4 of the tourney up again with......ummm you know who........

The two injured guards they lost will be back. They'll end up in the top 4 in the B1G............... again.

[bamorin]

Apr 4, 2018 15:47:27 GMT -5 daleko said:

Apr 4, 2018 15:33:28 GMT -5 bamorin said:

Maybe..........depends if they fill 1/4 of the tourney up again with......ummm you know who........

The two injured guards they lost will be back. They'll end up in the top 4 in the B1G............... again.

no doubt on my part. I was hinting at why PSU and nebackdoor stayed home. No room at the Inn when the committee fills 1/4 of it with two conferences

[daleko]

Apr 4, 2018 18:30:43 GMT -5 bamorin said:

Apr 4, 2018 15:47:27 GMT -5 daleko said:

The two injured guards they lost will be back. They'll end up in the top 4 in the B1G............... again.

no doubt on my part. I was hinting at why PSU and nebackdoor stayed home. No room at the Inn when the committee fills 1/4 of it with two conferences

After PSU got bombed by Wisky, they lost credibility, imv. Wisky had Neb beat but just ran out of players. Same old for both.

[daleko]

Like another recent Wisky 7' center, he could be a late bloomer and you can't teach people to be 7' so maybe in three he could have a sig positive impact.


Northern Illinois C Owen Hamilton announces intention to transfer to Wisconsin

A former in-state recruit returns home, as Northern Illinois center Owen Hamilton announced on Tuesday via Twitter that he intends to transfer and play for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Hamilton, listed at 7’0 and 255 pounds according to the Huskies’ website, averaged 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last season in 27 contests. The Prescott, Wis., native shot 64.7 percent (22-of-34) from the field as a freshman.

Based on his eligibility, Hamilton would have to sit out one year due to NCAA transfer rules but then have three years of eligibility remaining.

As a senior at Prescott High School, Hamilton claimed 2017 Division 3 all-state honors from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association after averaging 25.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game on way to helping the Cardinals finish as a runner-up for the Division 3 state championship during the 2016-17 season.