ITH Season Preview for 2024–25: Wisconsin Badgers
As the 2024–25 college basketball season approaches, the Wisconsin Badgers look to build upon their long-standing reputation of consistent success in the Big Ten Conference. Under the guidance of Greg Gard, now entering his ninth season as head coach, the Badgers will once again be a team to watch, with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers ready to make a push for the NCAA Tournament and compete at the highest level.
Offseason Changes & Roster Composition
Wisconsin enters the 2024–25 season with a roster that blends veteran leadership with fresh talent. While the Badgers will be without some key figures from the previous season, including Johnny Davis, who declared for the NBA draft after an outstanding season, they’ve found ways to stay competitive by securing crucial recruits and transfers.
Leading the charge will be Tyler Wahl, the team’s 6’9″ senior forward, who is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in the Big Ten. Wahl’s ability to score inside, rebound, and defend at a high level will be crucial to Wisconsin’s success in 2024–25. His leadership will also be key in mentoring the younger players and keeping the team grounded as they prepare for a tough conference schedule.
Another key player for Wisconsin will be Chucky Hepburn, a sophomore point guard who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman. Hepburn’s development will be critical for the Badgers, especially as they look to improve their perimeter shooting and ball movement. Hepburn’s scoring ability and playmaking skills will give Wisconsin a dynamic offensive weapon to complement Wahl’s presence in the paint.
Additionally, the Badgers will look for contributions from their newcomers, including highly anticipated freshman Connor Essegian. Essegian, a sharpshooting guard from Indiana, has the potential to make an immediate impact and add a much-needed scoring punch to the backcourt.
Strengths: Defense & Physical Play
One of the hallmarks of Wisconsin basketball under Greg Gard is its defensive discipline. Known for being a team that suffocates opposing offenses with their well-coached schemes and physicality, the Badgers will once again be a force on that side of the floor. Their ability to close out on shooters, dominate the glass, and force turnovers will be crucial in a Big Ten loaded with talent.
Wisconsin’s defensive identity is complemented by their methodical offensive style. The Badgers often take their time running their offense, looking for high-percentage shots and executing in the half-court. This slow tempo can frustrate opponents, allowing Wisconsin to control the game and dictate the pace, which is a key to their success.
Challenges: Replacing Scoring & Big Ten Competition
While Wisconsin’s defense will be one of their strongest assets, the Badgers will face challenges in replacing the scoring punch lost with the departure of Johnny Davis, who led the team last season. The team will need to find new offensive threats, and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn, with additional scoring support coming from Essegian and other emerging players.
Additionally, the Big Ten remains one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in college basketball. With teams like Purdue, Michigan State, and Indiana, the Badgers will need to stay sharp throughout the season to avoid falling into the middle of the pack. Every game in the Big Ten is a battle, and Wisconsin will need to maintain a high level of play to secure favorable positioning in the NCAA Tournament.
Outlook: NCAA Tournament Bound?
Despite the challenges ahead, the Wisconsin Badgers should once again be a contender for an NCAA Tournament bid. The combination of strong leadership, solid defense, and a talented roster gives Wisconsin a competitive edge in the Big Ten. If Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn can step up and provide consistent offensive production, and if the younger players can contribute right away, the Badgers could make a deep run in March.
Overall, Wisconsin’s mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, along with their discipline and defensive prowess, make them a team to watch in the 2024–25 college basketball season. While their path to the top of the Big Ten will be difficult, this Wisconsin team is more than capable of making noise and competing for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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