What to Expect From Wisconsin Badgers Men's Basketball This Season

As a longtime college basketball analyst who's been covering the game for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for spotting programs on the verge of a breakout season, and I have to say, the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team is giving me that familiar tingle of excitement. Watching them prepare for this campaign, I can't help but draw parallels to the incredible talent showcases I've been studying from other leagues, particularly the standout players from UAAP Season 87 and NCAA Season 100. While those leagues operate oceans away, the fundamental truth remains the same: elite collegiate basketball, whether in the Big Ten or in the Philippines, is ultimately driven by exceptional individuals who rise to the occasion. For Wisconsin, this season hinges on whether their key players can make that leap from being good to being truly dominant, much like those five remarkable athletes who defined their respective seasons overseas.

Let's talk about the core of this team, starting with the backcourt. I've been incredibly impressed with Chucky Hepburn's development. He's not just a floor general anymore; he's evolving into a two-way menace. Last season, he averaged 12.4 points and 3.8 assists, but I'm expecting those numbers to jump to around 15 points and 5 assists this year. His defensive prowess is already well-documented—he nabbed 2.1 steals per game—but it's his improved three-point shooting that has me most excited. If he can consistently hit from deep, say at a 38-40% clip, it completely changes the geometry of the offense for everyone else. Then you have Max Klesmit, the gritty wing who embodies that classic Wisconsin toughness. He's the kind of player who might not fill up the stat sheet every night, but he'll make the winning plays, the crucial defensive stops, and hit the big shots when the game is on the line. His partnership with Hepburn gives the Badgers one of the most underrated but effective guard duos in the conference. I genuinely believe their chemistry is a massive X-factor.

Now, the frontcourt is where things get really interesting, and frankly, where my personal optimism is highest. Steven Crowl is a legitimate force. At seven feet tall, his ability to stretch the floor and facilitate from the high post is a nightmare matchup for most traditional big men. He put up 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds last season, but I'm projecting a near double-double average for him this year. He needs to be more aggressive, though. I'd love to see him demand the ball in the paint more often and use his size to draw fouls. Alongside him, Tyler Wahl returns for what feels like his tenth year of eligibility, and that's a great thing. His veteran savvy, defensive versatility, and unorthodox but effective scoring around the basket are invaluable. He's the heart and soul of this team, the glue guy who does all the little things that might not show up in a standard box score but are absolutely essential for winning close games. Watching him operate is a masterclass in basketball IQ.

Of course, no team is complete without its bench, and this is where Wisconsin's depth could be a major advantage. I'm particularly high on Connor Essegian. After a stellar freshman campaign where he averaged 11.7 points and shot 36% from three, he had a bit of a sophomore slump, partly due to injury. But mark my words, he's poised for a massive bounce-back year. He's a pure scorer, and having that kind of offensive sparkplug coming off the bench is a luxury few teams possess. Then there's the newcomer, John Blackwell. I've watched his high school tape, and the kid has a motor that doesn't quit. He plays with a relentless energy that can change the tempo of a game in a matter of possessions. He reminds me a bit of a young Zak Showalter, and if he can provide even half of that defensive intensity and hustle, he'll earn significant minutes. The development of these role players is critical. In a long and grueling Big Ten season, you need at least eight or nine reliable players, and I think Coach Gard has that.

When I look at the broader landscape, the comparison to the standout talents from UAAP 87 and NCAA 100 isn't about direct skill comparison, but about impact. Those players didn't just put up numbers; they lifted their entire programs. For Wisconsin to compete for a Big Ten title and make a deep run in March, they need their stars to become superstars. That means Hepburn needs to be in the conversation for All-Big Ten First Team. Crowl needs to be the most skilled big man in the conference. They have the pieces; it's now about execution and consistency. The non-conference schedule is manageable but has a few key tests, like the matchup against a tough Providence team. How they perform in those early games will tell us a lot about their character and resilience. I'm also watching their three-point shooting as a team. Last year, they shot a respectable 35.4% from deep, but in today's game, you really need to be hovering around 37-38% to be considered an elite offensive unit. I think they can get there.

Ultimately, my expectation for this Wisconsin Badgers team is high, probably higher than most preseason polls have them. I see a squad with a perfect blend of experienced veterans and hungry young talent, a coach in Greg Gard who knows how to get the most out of his players, and a playing style that can be both methodical and explosive. They might not have the five-star, one-and-done recruits that dominate the headlines, but they have a roster full of players who have grown together in the system. That kind of continuity is priceless. I believe they have a real shot at finishing in the top three of the Big Ten and, if the brackets fall their way, making a run to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament, perhaps even the Elite Eight. It's been a few years since Madison had a team that felt truly special, but this group has that potential. I, for one, can't wait to watch it all unfold.