Tag: Wisconsin basketball

Wisconsin commit Zach Kinziger moves in latest ESPN100 for class of 2025

Wisconsin commit Zach Kinziger moves in latest ESPN100 for class of 2025

Wisconsin commit Zach Kinziger is now ranked No. 68 in the latest ESPN100 ranking for the class of 2025.

Two months ago, Kinziger was ranked No. 67 in the midst of a hectic summer with De Pere High School and Team Herro in the AAU circuit.

The De Pere, Wisconsin native is considered a four-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN. 247Sports ranks the 6’3,” 175-pound shooting guard as the No. 128 overall player in the class of 2025, No. 24 shooting guard and No. 4 prospect from Wisconsin.

While Kinziger and three-star center Will Garlock are Wisconsin’s lone commitments in the class at the moment, four other in-state class of 2025 prospects were included in ESPN Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi’s latest hierarchy.

That list includes four-star center Kai Rogers (undecided), four-star forward Xzavion Mitchell (Iowa State), four-star shooting guard Jamarion Batemon (Iowa State) and four-star combo guard Davion Hannah (undecided).

While Kinziger has already offered his pledge to join Greg Gard’s program, both Hannah and Rogers could eventually end up in Madison. On3’s recruiting prediction machine awarded UW a 15.3% chance to land Rogers and a 22.8% chance to secure a commitment from Hannah, ESPN’s No. 22 prospect for the class.

Wisconsin basketball transfer guard fully cleared for 2024 season

Wisconsin basketball transfer guard fully cleared for 2024 season

Wisconsin basketball transfer guard Camren Hunter has been fully cleared for the upcoming 2024 season, per a report from CBS insider Jon Rothstein.

Hunter, who sat out for the entire 2023-24 campaign due to a foot injury, transferred from Central Arkansas to Wisconsin in April.

When the former Atlantic Sun Conference guard plays, he makes an immediate impact. Prior to his injury, Hunter averaged 16.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals as a sophomore in 2022-23. He nailed 50 3-point field goals off a team-high 33.9 minutes per game.

A year prior, the Bryant, Arkansas native was responsible for 14.1 points, 4.9 boards, 3.4 dimes and 1.5 swipes per appearance. The output netted him 2022 ASUN Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the 2022 First-Team All-ASUN.

With Hunter now in the mix, the Badgers have several options at point guard for their 2024 campaign.

Four-star true freshman PG Daniel Freitag looks like he could be a mainstay in Greg Gard’s rotation, but Hunter will certainly see ample playing time given his proven success at the collegiate level.

Wisconsin also added guard John Tonje and power forward Xavier Amos in the portal this offseason. While Amos will do his damage down low, Tonje will also slide into the backcourt with the departure of former fan-favorite Chucky Hepburn to Louisville.

The Badgers begin the 2024 slate with an exhibition against UW-River Falls on Oct. 30 at the Kohl Center.

BREAKING: Wisconsin basketball lands commitment from in-state 2026 SF

BREAKING: Wisconsin basketball lands commitment from in-state 2026 SF

Wisconsin’s men’s basketball program landed a commitment from in-state class of 2026 small forward LaTrevion Fenderson on Sunday, per On3’s Joe Tipton.

Fenderson, a Racine native, chose UW over opportunities at Iowa State and UW-Milwaukee. He is unranked by 247Sports at this early stage in the process. He was the No. 56 small forward in the class of 2025 before reclassifying to the class of 2026.

“I chose Wisconsin because of the commitment they showed to me,” Fenderson told On3’s Tipton. “This summer, coach Gard and staff came to almost every tournament I had to watch me play. I have received numerous calls and texts from coach Gard, assistant coaches and fans.”

Wisconsin extended its offer to Fenderson in June 2023. At the time, the 6-foot-5, 205-wing was 15 years old.

During his junior season, the future Badger accounted for 22 points, 11 boards and a pair of dimes assists per appearance. As a sophomore, he flashed his potential with 17.1 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game.

At 6-foot-5, his ability to snare rebounds could serve as a luxury for UW’s backcourt when Fenderson arrives to campus. He will, however, wrap up his high school career at DME Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, before making the collegiate jump.

Wisconsin men’s basketball releases 2024 non-conference schedule

Wisconsin men’s basketball releases 2024 non-conference schedule

The Wisconsin Badgers’ men’s basketball program released its 2024 non-conference schedule on Thursday.

Greg Gard’s group will open the season against Holy Cross on Nov. 4 at the Kohl Center. The Badgers will follow their first regular season match with four consecutive non-conference home contests in Madison.

Montana State (Nov. 7), Appalachian State (Nov. 10), Arizona (Nov. 15) and UT-Rio Grande Valley (Nov. 18) will each venture to Wisconsin in the opening month of the 2024 season.

The first-ever Greenbrier Tip-Off follows the local action shortly thereafter. Wisconsin will face UCF and either LSU or Pittsburgh on Nov. 22 and Nov. 24, respectively.

A quick Kohl Center tune-up vs. Chicago State on Nov. 30 follows before UW makes its way to Milwaukee for its annual I-94 rivalry game against Marquette on Dec. 7.

The final roadblock arrives during the recently announced Dec. 14 match against Butler at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of the Indiana Pacers. The Detroit Mercy Titans will also play Wisconsin at home on Dec. 22.

On top of the non-conference campaign, which figures to be one of the more challenging slates across the college basketball landscape, Wisconsin will also face a bevy on conference opponents in Madison and across the country.

UW will host 10 Big Ten opponents this season and travel to Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Rutgers and USC for road conference games.

Prior to the chaos, Wisconsin will play host to UW-River Falls in an exhibition on Oct. 30 at home.

Former Wisconsin basketball great announces return to UW-Madison

Former Wisconsin basketball great announces return to UW-Madison

Former Wisconsin basketball great Sam Dekker announced via X on Monday that he has returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to finish his degree.

Dekker, one of the program’s most decorated alumni, departed the university in 2015 after three years on the hardwood to pursue NBA aspirations. By doing so a year early, he left campus without a degree.

After being selected with the No. 18 pick of the 2015 NBA draft, the Wisconsin native played 201 games across five NBA seasons for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors from 2015-22.

Stints overseas with the VTB United League in Russia (2019-2020) and the Turkish Basketball Super League in Turkey (2020-2021, 2021-2022) followed.

The 6-foot-9 forward stars for the British Basketball League’s London Lions. As its offensive engine, Dekker helped the Lions capture the 2023 British Basketball League Cup championship and pocketed both league and finals MVP honors in the process. He registered 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds off 53% clip from the field in nearly 21 minutes per appearance across the pond in ’23.

Nonetheless, Dekker’s NBA endeavors have yet to fade. This summer, the 2015 All-Big Ten second-team selection tried out for the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks.

With a portfolio of postseason success at Wisconsin and professional exposure thousands of miles away, Dekker can provide a veteran spark plug presence in an NBA locker room next season. However, with responsibilities in the classroom, the NBA could serve as a distraction from future homework assignments.

Now at age 30, Dekker plans to wrap up his education at one of the United States’ most recognized public universities.

Former Wisconsin basketball assistant lands coaching job with AAU program in Iowa

Former Wisconsin basketball assistant lands job with AAU program in Iowa

Former Wisconsin men’s basketball assistant Dean Oliver announced his appointment as head coach of AAU program Iowa United Prep on Monday via social media.

Oliver spent seven seasons as one of Greg Gard’s assistants at UW and helped guide the program to a pair of Big Ten regular-season championships in 2019-20 and 2021-22.

The former Badger returns to where he began his basketball journey. He now mans the sidelines for Iowa United, the state’s premier amateur athletic union organization.

“After dedicating 13 years as a Division I assistant coach and 10 years as a professional basketball player, I am honored to accept this position,” Oliver said in his X statement.  This new chapter excites me as it allows me to continue contributing to the sport that has profoundly impacted my life and my family’s.”

Before joining the Badgers in 2017, Oliver coached at North Dakota from 2012-14 and Illinois State from 2015-17. A successful nine-year professional career, including two seasons with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and several seasons in Europe, preceded his time as a coach.

Oliver’s specialty is rooted in developing the next generation’s guards. As a player, he suited up at guard from Iowa from 1998-2001 and pocketed third-team All-Big Ten honors on three occasions.

Given his experience in the development realm, Oliver is poised to excel in his next chapter with Iowa United.

Wisconsin basketball top 100 class of 2025 SG target transfers to in-state high school

Big news for the Badgers in the class of 2025:

Wisconsin basketball’s top-ranked class of 2025 target, Amari Allen, announced his decision to transfer to Ashwaubenon High School on Sunday.

The shooting guard attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before making the transition back to his home state. The 6-foot-7, 180-pound guard played high school hoops at Kaukauna High School in Kaukauna, Wisconsin before his stint in Florida.

The move is certainly significant in the recruiting realm. Allen grew up in Kaukauna and scheduled an official visit with the Badgers the weekend of Sept. 14. His proximity to the college program will help the Badgers’ recruiting efforts.

Allen plans to take trips to Minnesota, Alabama, Nevada, Mississippi State and UCF — his finalists — this fall.

Given Allen’s status as one of Wisconsin’s most important prospects for the class of 2025, Greg Gard’s staff will surely position his in-state ties near the top of his recruiting pitch. The rising senior ranks as 247Sports’ No. 98 player in the class of 2025, No. 18 small forward and No. 14 recruit from the state of Florida. Those will shift given the move to Wisconsin this fall.

While Wisconsin may not offer what a program like Duke, North Carolina or Kentucky can on the hardwood, it can compete with every other suitor in this recruiting battle. Alabama, which finished No. 3 in the final AP poll of 2024, and UCF, which holds a connection to Allen’s time in Florida, present the most obstacles for UW.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 currently ranks within the top 10 in the nation with commitments from two in-state prospects: four-star shooting guard Zach Kinziger and three-star center Will Garlock.

Wisconsin makes final schools for top class of 2025 SF Ryder Frost

Wisconsin makes final schools for top 2025 SF Ryder Frost

Wisconsin basketball made the final eight schools for top class of 2025 small forward Ryder Frost on Sunday.

The Badgers were included on Frost’s list along with Notre Dame, Michigan, Syracuse, Yale, Virginia Tech, Iowa and Penn State. 247Sports’ Dushawn London reports that Frost has additional visits scheduled for this fall to five of those eight schools: Virginia Tech, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin

Related: Big Ten basketball teams ranked by returning production entering 2024-25 season

Frost is currently ranked by 247Sports as the No. 102 player in the class, No. 21 small forward and No. 2 recruit from the state of New Hampshire.

The 6’6,” 205-pound small forward is listed on Wisconsin basketball’s loaded Sept. 14 visit weekend. He is part of a group that also includes top-ranked 2025 recruits Davion Hannah, Amari Allen and Tommy Ahneman.

That weekend has become the most important to Wisconsin’s efforts in the class. It is also the weekend that Badger football hosts Alabama.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 currently ranks No. 8 in the nation with two players committed — four-star SG Zach Kinziger and three-star C Will Garlock.

The two commits, both from in-state recruits, have built a strong foundation for a class that could become one of the nation’s best if it adds any of Hannah, Allen, Ahneman or Frost from the Sept. 14 official visit weekend.

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Report: Wisconsin basketball adding Sun Belt opponent to 2024-25 schedule

Report: Wisconsin basketball adding Sun Belt opponent to 2024-25 schedule

Wisconsin basketball is adding a contest against Appalachian State to its 2024-25 nonconference schedule, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.

The game is reportedly scheduled for Nov. 10 at the Kohl Center.

Related: Big Ten basketball teams ranked by returning production entering 2024-25 season

The Mountaineers will enter the upcoming season after a 27-7 2023-24 campaign. The team finished last year ranked No. 83 overall in KenPom and No. 2 in the Sun Belt Conference, ranked behind only James Madison — who defeated Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament.

The contest will serve as an early test for Greg Gard’s team as it works to gel after a busy offseason of turnover.

Wisconsin’s 2024-25 nonconference schedule also includes a Nov. 15 home matchup against top-ranked Arizona, the Greenbrier Tip-Off with UCF, Pittsburgh and LSU, a Dec. 7 road matchup with rival Marquette and a Dec. 14 neutral site contest against Butler.

That gauntlet then leads into a challenging conference landscape that now also includes former Pac-12 powers USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington.

The Badgers’ 2024-25 schedule again guarantees to be one of the toughest in the nation after KenPom ranked its 2023-24 slate No. 3 overall.

 

For more preview work on the team’s upcoming season, we recently previewed Wisconsin’s updated roster and starting lineup after an eventful offseason.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin basketball signs Italian center Riccardo Greppi

BREAKING: Wisconsin basketball signs Italian center Riccardo Greppi

Wisconsin basketball has continued its work on the international recruiting trail.

The program announced the signing of freshman center Riccardo Greppi on Friday. Greppi will join the program from Italy, signing on for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Related: Wisconsin basketball’s updated 2024-25 roster with Italian C Riccardo Greppi

The 6’10” center has recently played for Verona (NextGen League) and Cantu (Italy Serie A2) in his home country. He recently averaged 9.1 points and 8.6 rebounds with Verona in Italy’s U20 showcase league.

The 18-year-old freshman has also played for the Italian national team in the 2022 and 2023 U18 European Championships. He averaged 2.3 points and 3.6 rebounds on 43.8% from the floor in 2023 after marks of 2.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 50% shooting during the 2022 event.

Greppi is Wisconsin’s second international signing of the offseason, joining Serbian center Andrija Vukovic. The two signings have been the result of a clear initiative by Greg Gard and his staff to expand their recruiting footprint overseas. The two have also both addressed the same need: depth in the frontcourt.

Evan Flood of 247Sports is reporting, however, that Greppi ‘will likely take the place of Vukovic’ on Wisconsin’s roster. Flood notes that Vukovic has yet to make the trip over to the United States and is unlikely to join the program this season.

Wisconsin begins its season in nearly three months with a challenging nonconference slate that includes Arizona, Butler, Marquette and the Greenbrier Tip-Off. Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter are the team’s two leading big men, with Greppi now set to join that group.

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