Despite uncertainty surrounding a Big Ten college basketball season, Wisconsin basketball has been practicing for the past few weeks at the Kohl Center.
In this early stage, freshman have been leaving their first impressions upon the coaching staff, with one sticking out in particular as a surprise. According to CBS college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, 2020 signee Steven Crowl has been turning heads in Madison.
Greg Gard tells me that Wisconsin freshman Steven Crowl has been the early surprise in Madison. 6-9 big man was a finalist for Mr. Basketball in Minnesota.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) September 14, 2020
After a standout career at Eastview Senior High School, Crowl comes to Madison as another piece in the Minnesota to Wisconsin pipeline. I broke down Crowl’s game over the summer, and after looking through high school tape it was his offensive feel that stood out most, especially as a 6-foot-9 modern big:
Crowl’s passing ability is what surprised me most on tape. At 6-foot-9, 210 he not only made point-guard-like bounce passes in transition, but also had the basketball IQ to make quick interior passes for open layups. The speed of his decision making will help him find early success at the next level. For a big man, he already has the ability to put the ball on the deck. He also has the range to step back and knock down long jumpers. There is not a ton of film of Crowl hitting jumpers off the dribble, although as an open, set shooter he can cash his checks.
Wisconsin’s depth could be their most effective weapon come the 2021 NCAA Tournament, and with added freshman impact, especially from a surprising source, the sky is the limit for the Badgers.