Tag: Greg Gard

Former Wisconsin guard produces season-high output in Louisville blowout win

Former Wisconsin guard logs season-high output in Louisville blowout win

Former Wisconsin basketball guard Chucky Hepburn logged a season-high point total in the Louisville Cardinals’ blowout win over Bellarmine on Tuesday.

In 26 minutes of action, Hepburn registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals in the 100-68 triumph. Those numbers came on on 6-of-11 shooting and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Through three games with the Cardinals, Hepburn is responsible for 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.3 steals in nearly 25 minutes per game. As of Nov. 21, Hepburn’s 3.33 swipes per contest ranked eighth in the nation, only behind UTSA’s Raekwon Horton (4.5), Washington’s Great Osobor (4.0), UC San Diego’s Hayden Gray (3.75), UTSA’s Jonnivius Smith (3.5), UNLV’s Jalen Hill (3.5), Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins (3.5) and Central Michigan’s Anthony Pritchard (3.4).

In 103 career games with Wisconsin from 2021-2024, Hepburn played in 103 games and averaged 32.1 minutes, 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals on 42% shooting and 36% from 3. The Nebraska native was a 2023-24 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, 2024 Big Ten All-Defensive Team member and 2022 Big Ten All-Freshman Team member as well.

In his absence, the Badgers have turned to a combination of scoring from star wing John Tonje, sophomore guard John Blackwell and senior guard Max Klesmit. The three currently combine for over 53 points per game as UW sits at 5-0 and No. 19 in the latest AP Poll.

Where Wisconsin basketball lands in Joe Lunardi’s latest 2025 bracketology

Where Wisconsin basketball lands in Joe Lunardi’s latest 2025 Bracketology

Wisconsin men’s basketball program appeared in Joe Lunardi’s latest 2025 March Madness men’s field prediction on Wednesday. 

After being projected as one of the bubble teams in Lunardi’s May installation of his bracketology, the ESPN analyst now considers the Badgers a No. 9 seed in the Midwest region of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Wisconsin’s placement arrives on the heels of UW’s statement win over No. 17 Arizona on Nov. 15 at the Kohl Center. The win, fueled by 41 points from wing sensation John Tonje, rocketed Wisconsin up to No. 19 in the latest AP Poll.

If Lunardi’s forecast comes to pass, the Badgers will square off against Mississippi State, a program that holds the No. 8 seed in the Midwest cohort. The Bulldogs most recently dropped their first-round match as an eight-seed to No. 9 Michigan State in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, lost its opening round contest to No. 12 James Madison in the 2024 tournament. Shortly after, veteran point guard Chucky Hepburn and volume scorer A.J. Storr elected to transfer from the program.

Now, UW looks like it can compete once more in the postseason. The Badgers lead the nation in free throw percentage at 88.64% (117-of-132) and can turn to several playmakers for scoring contributions at all three levels.

Greg Gard’s program will return to the court for a bout against UCF on Nov. 22 at the Greenbrier Tip-Off in West Virginia.

Badgers wing John Tonje earns AP national player of the week honor

John Tonje earns AP national player of the week nods

The Associated Press named Wisconsin Badgers’ wing John Tonje the National Player of the Week in men’s college basketball on Tuesday.

Four days removed from his historic 41-point barrage vs. No. 17 Arizona, Tonje pocketed the honor on Tuesday morning. This follows Tonje reeling in Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Monday, becoming the first UW player to receive the award since Johnny Davis in 2022.

Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn was named runner-up after dropping 29 points and eight rebounds vs. No. 8 Alabama. Ante Brzovic (College of Charleston), Kam Jones (Marquette) and Abdi Bashir Jr. (Monmouth) were included as honorable mentions.

Through five games this season, Tonje is averaging 22.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per game. The graduate student is also shooting 56.3% from the field, 50.0% from beyond the arc and 95.9% from the free throw line.

Tonje has officially emerged as Wisconsin’s offensive replacement for transfer wing AJ Storr. The volume scorer averaged 16.8 points per game in 36 appearances for Wisconsin a season ago, but he shot just 43.4% from the field and 32.0% from distance.

Obviously, Tonje’s splits will dip as the season progresses. He does, however, possess unquestionable touch from the free throw line and poised shot selection. Some could make the argument that Tonje, who spent the 2023-24 season at Missouri, is a better fit than Storr ever was.

Regardless, the national distinction is worth celebrating. Wisconsin’s next game is on Nov. 22 against UCF at the Greenbrier Tip-Off in West Virginia.

Wisconsin bench guard clinches Badgers win over UT Rio Grande Valley

Wisconsin bench guard clinches Badgers win over UT Rio Grande Valley

Wisconsin basketball guard Kamari McGee has been one of the Badgers’ most valuable players through five games of the 2024-25 season.

On Monday night, the senior guard clinched Wisconsin’s tight 87-84 win over UT Rio Grande Valley on the final play of the evening.

Tasked with defending the Vaqueros’ 6-foot-8 forward Hasan Abdul Hakim at the top of the key, the 6-foot-tall McGee stayed right with Hakim without fouling and forced the versatile playmaker into a tough fadeaway jumper in the lane.

His shot attempt hit the backside of the rim, and sophomore guard John Blackwell scooped in for a strong rebound to secure the victory.

Here’s the full play:

Simply put — the play encapsulates McGee’s impact this season.

Through five games in 2024-25 McGee boasts the the highest +/- of any Badger at +85, per Badger247’s Evan Flood. Only Blackwell, who holds a +84, is within reaching distance of the veteran.

McGee has unquestionably been Gard’s most reliable bench player this season. Sure, he might not bring the height of Carter Gilmore and Xavier Amos, but he is as composed a bench guard as you can find in the nation.

The Racine, Wisconsin, native is responsible for 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2 assists in 23 minutes per game off the bench this season.

He and the Badgers will be back in action on Nov. 22 against UCF in the Greenbrier Tip-Off.

Where Wisconsin basketball stands in KenPom and ESPN BPI after win over UT Rio Grande

Where Wisconsin basketball stands in KenPom and ESPN BPI after win over UT Rio Grande

This story was updated to add new information.

Wisconsin basketball improved to 5-0 on the 2024-25 season with an 87-84 win over UT Rio Grande on Monday.

The Badgers struggled defensively for much of the contest, allowing the Vaqueros to shoot 49% from the floor and nearly 40% from 3. The team was somewhat on the ropes midway through the second half before John Blackwell and John Tonje led a scoring surge that tipped the scales, eventually leading to the three-point win.

Related: Biggest takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s narrow win over UT Rio Grande Valley

One big stat that continues to matter: Wisconsin shot 84.4% (27-of-32) from the free-throw line in the victory. The team’s final 11 points came from the charity stripe. The Badgers are No. 2 in the nation in team free throw percentage at 88.6%; the stat has been a driving force behind the team’s 5-0 start.

That undefeated start led to national recognition, even before the win over UT Rio Grande. Wisconsin entered the AP Poll at No. 19 and USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll at No. 25 on Monday.

While the Badgers’ resume is building with each passing performance, their win on Monday didn’t impress some rating metrics. Wisconsin dropped 11 spots in KenPom from No. 29 to No. 40 after the win. Greg Gard’s team possesses the 18th-ranked offense and 83rd-ranked defense in the metric.

Allowing 84 points to a UT Rio Grande team that is No. 199 in KenPom assuredly led to the ratings downgrade, specifically defensively.

The Badgers also dropped from No. 22 in ESPN BPI to No. 30, reflecting the same general trend. BPI has the team’s projected final record at 19.6-10.4 and gives it an 8.2% chance to win the Big Ten.

Minus the needed defensive improvements, it’s hard to not be impressed by Wisconsin’s start to the season. This early season stage figured to see significant growing pains with new faces in the rotation. Instead, the Badgers are flashing top form and entering the conversation atop the Big Ten.

Wisconsin is back on the court on Friday against UCF at the Greenbrier Tip-Off.

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Wisconsin guard John Blackwell emerges during Badgers win over UT Rio Grande

WATCH: Every basket from Wisconsin guard John Blackwell’s career night

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell erupted for a career-high 30 points in UW’s 87-84 win over UT Rio Grande Valley on Monday.

With Wisconsin trailing by seven points early in the second half, Blackwell was the primary catalyst in helping UW claw back and secure its fifth win of the season over the Vaqueros. He dropped 20 points in the second half, 11 of which came during UW’s pivotal 14-5 scoring surge to capture a lead in the second frame.

Monday’s bout ultimately served as a reminder of what Blackwell can do on the offensive end. Given transfer wing John Tonje’s immediate impact with the Badgers, Blackwell’s contributions have often gone under the radar.

That certainly wasn’t the case on Monday. The Michigan native cashed in on 11 of his 18 attempts from the floor and showcased his knack for executing from inside of 12 feet and right near the hoop.

Blackwell also helped UW close the game from the free throw line in the winning effort — his final five points came from the charity stripe.

On the season Blackwell is responsible for 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.4 minutes per game. He and the Badgers will be back in action on Nov. 22 against UCF for the Greenbrier Tip-Off.

What Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said about Badgers’ tight win over UT Rio Grande Valley

What Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said about Badgers’ tight win over UT Rio Grande Valley

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard addressed the media following the Badgers’ 87-84 win over UT Rio Grande Valley on Monday.

Facing a unique matchup situation, Gard was forced to experiment with his rotations throughout the contest. The Vaqueros’ 6-foot-8 forward Hasan Abdul Hakim was the team’s most utilized big man on the scouting report, and Gard countered with forward Carter Gilmore defensively instead of center Nolan Winter.

Gard anticipated that before the game.

“It’s what you fear when you watch them on tape,” Gard said. “How difficult they can be to guard if they get the three going, specifically from the five position that was going to create some match up problems and force us to play smaller.”

After falling behind by as many as seven points in the second half, UW rallied to take its first lead near the midway point of the frame. With major scoring contributions from John Tonje, John Blackwell and Max Klesmit, UW bullied its way inside to counter what the Vaqueros were attempting to do from beyond the arc.

“[In] the second half, we were better,” Gard said. “Obviously the smaller lineup helped with that. We were able to find a way when we were not at our best.. good teams find a way when things aren’t always clicking and things become unorthodox. We’ll learn from it and keep getting better.”

No player was more impact than sophomore guard John Blackwell, The Michigan native scored a career-best 30 points off 11-of-18 from the field and snagged seven rebounds in the process.

“He got downhill,” Gard said. “I thought he was in the paint, playing off two feet and got to the free throw line. [He] took advantage of opportunities… Offensively, he put us on his back there for a while in the second half… he has a DNA of making winning plays.”

The No. 19-ranked Badgers improve to 5-0 with the victory. They will be back in action for their first road test of the season at the Greenbrier Tip-Off against UCF on Nov. 22.

RECAP: John Blackwell erupts for 30 points, Badgers squeeze by UT Rio Grande Valley

RECAP: John Blackwell erupts for 30 points, Badgers squeeze by UT Rio Grande Valley

Wisconsin basketball squeezed by UT Rio Grande Valley 87-84 to pick up its fifth victory of the 2024-25 season on Monday.

Sophomore guard John Blackwell was the story of the night. The Michigan native exploded for a career-best 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting and 6-of-8 from the free throw line. 20 of those points arrived in the second half of UW’s tight win, including 14 during the team’s game-altering 14-5 scoring surge midway through the final frame.

For the fifth consecutive game, Wisconsin was able to outlast its opponent from the free-throw line and three-point land. The Badgers cashed in on 27 of 32 attempts from the charity stripe and eight of 20 looks from outside. In a game that came down to the wire, UW’s aggressiveness, ability to draw fouls and capacity to capitalize on those opportunities proved to be the difference.

Tonje, UW’s superstar scorer at this juncture, dropped 19 points off a 3-of-5 clip from deep and a perfect 10-for-10 mark from the free throw line. Max Klesmit accounted for 11 points, and transfer forward Xavier Amos registered nine points of the bench in 13 minutes of action.

After trailing by as many as seven early in the second half, Greg Gard leaned on his perimeter players to secure the win. Centers Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter saw 33 combined minutes in the effort.

In fact, 36 of Wisconsin’s 39 second half points came from Tonje, Blackwell, and Klesmit. In games that call for more offensive dexterity, UW has discovered a trio that can work together to create from both the outside and at the free throw line.

Wisconsin improves to 5-0 on the young season with the home triumph. UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, drops to 3-3. Wisconsin will play its next game on Nov. 22 against UCF in the Greenbier Tip-Off.

John Tonje named Big Ten Player of the Week after 41-point outburst vs. Arizona

John Tonje named Big Ten Player of the Week after 41-point outburst vs. Arizona

After dropping 41 points in UW’s signature win over Arizona on Friday, Badger wing John Tonje earned Big Ten Player of the Week nods on Monday.

Tonje is the first Badger to receive the honor since Johnny Davis in 2022. In the win, the graduate student also became the fourth player in UW history to score at least 40 points.

In addition to his overall point total, the hyper-athletic wing notched a single-game program record from the free throw line with 21 makes and snared a team-high six rebounds.

On top of all that, Tonje’s offensive explosion propelled Wisconsin to No. 19 in the Associated Press’ latest top 25 poll.

Through four games of the 2024-25 season, Tonje has transformed into the clear-cut No. 1 option on a team many assumed would struggle on the offense end of the floor.

The top offseason acquisition is currently averaging 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting nearly 95% from the free throw line, over 47% from deep and roughly 56% from the field.

Tonje and the Badgers are back in action against UT Rio Grande Valley at 7:00 p.m. CT on Nov. 18.

Wisconsin basketball enters AP Poll top 25 after big win over Arizona

Wisconsin basketball enters AP Poll top 25 after big win over Arizona

Wisconsin basketball landed at No. 19 in the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday.

After being placed in the ‘receiving votes’ section of last week’s poll, Wisconsin received 370 points in this week’s update to firmly cement itself in the hierarchy.

The team’s signature win against the Arizona Wildcats played a pivotal role in its new position. In that game, wing John Tonje dropped 41 points on eight made field goals and a record 21 made free throws.

Wisconsin has now entered the upper echelon of Big Ten programs across the college basketball landscape. Only No. 6 Purdue and No. 16 Indiana ranked higher than Greg Gard’s program on this installation of the hierarchy.

Wisconsin also rocketed up the latest KenPom ranking and ESPN’s latest BPI. After being ranked No. 40 in the KenPom list on Nov. 12, UW moved up 11 spots to No. 29. At No. 22 in the ESPN BPI, the Badgers are up seven spots from about a week ago.

Backed by the strong individual contributions from Tonje, UW is averaging nearly 89 points per game off 47.4% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc and a blistering 90% from the free throw line. It’s safe to say Wisconsin has answered any offensive questions from those concerned over its offseason loses in the transfer portal.

Wisconsin’s next game is at home against UT Rio Grande Valley on Nov. 18.