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Former Wisconsin basketball guard commits to South Dakota State

Former Wisconsin guard Isaac Lindsey committed to South Dakota State on Sunday morning.

The junior guard entered the portal earlier this month after three years at Wisconsin and one at UNLV. The Mineral Point, Wisconsin, native tallied 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals in only 59 minutes of action this past season for the Badgers.

Lindsey is one of six Badgers to enter the portal this offseason, along with Connor Essegian, A.J. Storr, Gus Yalden, Ross Candelino and Luke Haertle. He joins a South Dakota State program that went 22-13 in 2023-24, including a 12-4 conference record and NCAA Tournament appearance.

#gojacks pic.twitter.com/0PSWcHLkoq

— Isaac Lindsey (@IsaacLindsey10) April 14, 2024

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

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Report: Wisconsin top transfer portal target to announce commitment on Monday

Wisconsin basketball top transfer portal target Frankie Fidler will announce his commitment on Monday morning, according to Omaha, Nebraska radio host Gary Sharp.

The Badgers recently made Fidler’s final four schools along with Nebraska, Creighton and Michigan State.

The former Omaha forward is a big-ticket prospect for the teams still in the running. The 6’7″ forward averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 45% shooting and 35% from 3 as a junior at Omaha in 2023-24. He is 247Sports’ 48th-ranked transfer and seventh-ranked small forward in the portal.

🚨 #Badgers transfer portal commitment alert! 🚨

According to @GarySharp1620, top Wisconsin portal target Frankie Fidler will announce his commitment on Monday at 8:00 AM on 1620AM The Zone – Omaha

Sharp is the longtime PxP voice of the Omaha Mavericks, Fidler's current team pic.twitter.com/HPNzQiwxV8

— Kedrick Stumbris (@KedrickStumbris) April 10, 2024

Fidler played high school basketball with Wisconsin point guard Chucky Hepburn, making this connection an easy one to make. He’d seamlessly fill the vacant role left by star wing A.J. Storr and would be the dynamic shooter that the team currently lacks.

For more on Wisconsin’s roster and transfer portal activity, check out Badgers Wire’s ongoing 2024 transfer portal tracker.

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Wisconsin basketball ruined John Calipari’s tenure at Kentucky

What’s your memory of Wisconsin’s win over Kentucky in the 2015 Final Four:

The headline may be a bit of hyperbole. But with today’s news that longtime Kentucky head coach John Calipari was leaving for the job at Arkansas, it’s time to revisit how Wisconsin basketball plays into his legacy.

Calipari is one of the more prominent figures in the sport. Head coach experience since 1988, 855 total collegiate wins, Final Four appearances with UMass and Memphis before moving to Kentucky, the catalyst behind the one-and-done era, four Final Fours at Kentucky and one national championship.

The resume speaks for itself. But it’s also entirely empty since Wisconsin’s Final Four win over undefeated Kentucky back in 2015 — which is a large part of the reason Calipari is leaving for Arkansas.

A win over Wisconsin that year likely means an undefeated 40-0 season for the Wildcats — which would have cemented Calipari and that team in college basketball history. It also would’ve made the head coach a two-time national champion, something not many can boast.

2015 was Calipari’s best Kentucky team — current NBA star Devin Booker was its sixth man, for reference. It was also the most important team to his legacy as a head coach. The trophy case is empty for that season, which is a large reason why Kentucky fans have wanted change for the last several years.

Calipari still dominated the recruiting trail and sent stars to the NBA every season. Despite that, he’s somehow had little-to-zero March Madness success after 2015. For that reason, we’re connecting his departure from Kentucky with the biggest win in Wisconsin basketball history.

For anybody who wants to re-live that legendary night, here are some of the best photos:

Wisconsin basketball in pursuit of a former Ohio State transfer forward

Wisconsin basketball is in pursuit of former Ohio State transfer forward Zed Key, according to a report on X.

Key entered the portal this month after four years with the Buckeyes. He played just 15.4 minutes per game in 2023-24, with averages of 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.6 blocks on 50% shooting from the floor.

The experienced big man was an ascending talent entering this past season. His numbers improved every year at Ohio State until 2023-24. His breakout 2022-23 season included averages of 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.0 blocks on 55% shooting.

Key has reportedly heard from Wisconsin, Xavier, Minnesota, Boston College, Dayton, VCU, Akron and Murray State. There is a natural connection with the Badgers, as Greg Gard and his staff were in strong pursuit of the 6-foot-7 forward during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Key chose Ohio State in the end, but Wisconsin was involved for the entirety of the process.

Ohio State transfer Zed Key tells me he’s heard from the following schools since entering the portal:

Wisconsin
Xavier
Minnesota
Boston College
Dayton
VCU
Akron
Murray State

Played in 121 games for the Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/uizdTvr6la

— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) April 8, 2024

Key would help fill the void left by the departures of A.J. Storr (transfer portal) and Tyler Wahl (graduation). He isn’t a top-of-the-country talent, but he’d bring a track record of dependable play at the Big Ten level.

For more on Wisconsin’s roster and transfer portal activity, check out Badgers Wire’s ongoing 2024 transfer portal tracker.

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Report: Saints to host Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley on pre-draft visit

Report: New Orleans Saints to host Western Kentucky slot receiver Malachi Corley on official 30 visit before 2024 NFL draft

Malachi Corley is a popular name in the final weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL draft. The Western Kentucky wideout will be making an official 30 visit to meet with the New Orleans Saints in Metairie, per uSTADIUM, which reports that ten different teams are flying Corley in for formal meetings at their headquarters.

Often mischaracterized as “top 30 visits,” these consist of interviews with team brass as well as position coaches and tours of the facility. Teams like the Saints aren’t necessarily targeting the 30 highest-rated players on their board, so much as seeking more information on prospects who they don’t know that well. That could be due to either playing at a smaller program, incomplete athletic testing in combine drills, or simple scheduling conflicts earlier in the process. Draft prospects with medical questions or character concerns are also often brought in for these official visits, which are capped at 30 for each team.

So what’s the deal with Corley? He weighed in at 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds (closer in size to Alvin Kamara than any receivers on the Saints’ roster) and posted good, not great, times in the 40-yard dash (4.49) and short shuttle (4.22). That gave him a tentative Relative Athletic Score of 7.76 which is beneath the Saints’ usual standards, so it’s possible they want him to run the three-cone drill and go through the vertical and broad jumps privately in order to round out his scouting report.

But enough about that: what can he do on the field? Corley was a dynamic slot receiver at Western Kentucky, lining up outside on just 13.5%, 7.7%, and 3.0% of his routes the last three years. He’s impressive after the catch — Corley averaged 8.6 yards after the catch per reception last year, a yard shy of his average (9.7) the year before. He’s scored 29 touchdowns and converted 137 first downs in his Hilltoppers career. He’d be a good fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense as someone who can make a play with the ball in his hands. Corley currently projects as a second-round draft pick.

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Report: Wisconsin football, Luke Fickell losing a top staffer to the NFL

Wisconsin football is losing key offensive analyst Rob Everett to the Miami Dolphins, according to FootballScoop‘s Doug Samuels.

Everett joined the Badgers program entering the 2023 season. He previously spent a year under Phil Longo at North Carolina, then followed the offensive coordinator to his position at Wisconsin. FootballScoop writes that Everett was a “senior offensive analyst for the Badgers, where in addition to working with the Wisconsin quarterbacks, he worked on opponent breakdowns, scouting reports and leading edge football technology.”

The assistant also coached Wisconsin’s wide receivers in preparation for the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl after position coach Mike Brown left for Notre Dame.

He is reportedly off to the NFL. Samuels reports that Wisconsin “already has new staff in place and isn’t looking to fill openings related to this move.”

Sources: Wisconsin and Luke Fickell are losing a key staffer to Miami Dolphins https://t.co/N7GAQxrSj6

— Doug Samuels 🏈 (@CoachSamz) April 8, 2024

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NFL legend Aaron Donald says a former Wisconsin Badger is the league’s best defensive player

NFL legend Aaron Donald joined the Green Light podcast with Chris Long this week and gave his take on the league’s best defensive player — now that he’s retired from the sport.

His answer: former Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

“Right now, I think it’s T.J. Watt,” Donald said. “If you talk about a guy that’s consistent, been doing it year-in and year-out consistently. That’s going to get you 15 sacks, or 13 sacks or damn 22 sacks consistent. He’s the guy that’s been doing it. … Interceptions every year, touchdowns. His stats be ridiculous.”

The stats back it up, as Donald noted. Watt’s seven-year NFL career has already included 96.5 sacks, 107 tackles for loss, 198 quarterback hits, 27 forced fumbles and seven interceptions. Those counting stats, plus six Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro honors and the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Many around the league said Donald was still the scariest defender in the league, even in 2023 in his 10th NFL season. Watt now has a chance to decisively take that crown with Donald retired.

Aaron Donald says that TJ Watt is the best defensive player in the #NFL now that he’s retired:

“I think it’s TJ Watt. If you talk about a guy that’s consistent. Been doing it year in year out consistently.”

(via @greenlight)
pic.twitter.com/8DQtxPJe0H

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 7, 2024

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WATCH: Wisconsin legend Bo Ryan reacts to his Naismith Hall of Fame selection

Your reaction to Bo Ryan’s Hall of Fame induction?

Legendary Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024 on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan is part of a decorated class that includes Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, Doug Collins, Jerry West (as a contributor) and Michael Collins.

The Badgers legend retired in 2016 after a 15-year run that defined the Wisconsin basketball program. He led the program to a 364-130 overall record, plus 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Final Fours and one national championship game. He was a four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and 2017 Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

Ryan joined ESPN’s Rece Davis and Jay Bilas immediately after the news was released and detailed his reaction:

"I was very emotional because of what it means to everybody that I've been associated with that has helped along the way"

Bo Ryan reacts to being selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 pic.twitter.com/7nWItClgUl

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) April 6, 2024

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Wisconsin legend voted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Great news for a Wisconsin legend:

Wisconsin legend Bo Ryan was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday morning.

Ryan appeared on the ballot in December and joins a 13-person class of 2024 that includes Doug Collins, Vince Carter, Dick Barnett and Jerry West (as a contributor). The class will be inducted into the hall on Aug. 17, 2024 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Ryan retired in 2016 after a 15-year run as Wisconsin’s head coach. He led the Badgers to a 364-130 overall record, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Final Fours and one national championship game. He was a four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and was annually regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport.

“I’m grateful and humbled by an honor like this,” Ryan said in a statement. “But I sincerely believe that this is a reflection of the contributions of so many people that have helped me in my career.”

The coaching legend was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He now earns the sport’s highest honor.

Welcome to the @Hoophall, Bo Ryan! 👏

Coach Ryan has been selected by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of its Class of 2024! pic.twitter.com/bKTRNBCS7c

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) April 6, 2024

Wisconsin HC Greg Gard says Badgers have ‘almost tripled NIL funds over the last year’

Promising news for Badgers fans:

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard joined Milwaukee’s 97.3 The Game Thursday afternoon and discussed everything from the end of the 2023-24 season to the state of the program’s name, image and likeness licensing funds.

The interview comes at the start of a critical offseason for Gard and his program. The Badgers must replace the departed production of Tyler Wahl and A.J. Storr, address depth after the departures of Connor Essegian and Gus Yalden and find a replacement for Dean Oliver on the coaching staff.

Here is everything Gard said on those topics, including a note that the Badgers have “almost tripled NIL funds over the last year:”

On turnover within the roster:

“Met with the team right after we got back from Brooklyn, the next day, and just addressed the white elephant of the portal. And knowing that ‘hey, some of you guys might have other opportunities, some of you may want to test the NBA waters and get feedback, some of you may want to jump two feet into it — referring to A.J. (Storr)'” Gard said. “Also knowing that other opportunities are going to come out there — poaching is real. We don’t need to duck it. … I addressed all those things.”

On the state of the sport and how to manage it:

“I think every case is different. Every player is different. A lot of players have agents now. … For AJ, it was a business decision, which I’m completely supportive of. He wants to chase the NBA dream. I want players who want to chase the NBA dreams. He’s going to test that water and run as far as he can. Then there’s also business decisions to make within the portal. For him, he’s in a category where those numbers are real. That’s just the business we’re in right now. For him, he’s gotta decide what’s the best option for him and the business part of that weighs into it more than it did three years ago, let alone 5-10 years ago.”

On the coaching staff change:

“It was my decision to make a change on my staff and move forward. Coach (Dean) Oliver did a good job for us. But I have to continue to move forward, and push this thing forward. We’re not going to stay in maintenance mode, we’re not going to stay status quo.”

On the Badgers’ NIL efforts:

“My staff and I, led really by coach (Joe) Krabbenhoft, started this initiative over a year ago of our ‘sixth man society’ as part of the Varsity Collective. Put a lot of boots on the ground raising funds. We’ve been able to almost triple our NIL collective in terms of men’s basketball in a year.”

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