Wisconsin Preview

The Badgers bear the reputation as a strong defensive team. However for the first time in three seasons they are not ranked in the top 15 overall. This season they landed at 57th. By points per possession their offense is ranked 27th in the nation by Ken Pomeroy measurements. They do not turn the ball over (5th in the nation) but are not proficient offensive rebounders ranking at #182 of 341 teams overall.

They play what is coined the 'swing offense' and Bo Ryan gets credit for developing it after many years at the D3 level with UW-Platteville. The typical low post player will play out high in this system fairly often and the guards will play down low. Most times all five guys on the floor can put up the trey.

Here is the starting 5:

1- #3 Trevon Hughes 6-0 193 Jr
He hit the big shot in OT against Florida State Friday night. He averages 12 points per game and is a tough, tough perimeter defender. His quickness is superb but his decision making skills in running the offense have been questioned in the past.

2- #12 Jason Bohannon 6-2 198 Jr
This junior averages over 10 points a game and is the designated 3 point shooter for the Badgers. He shot them back into the game against FSU. Jason usually matches up with the other teams best perimeter scoring threat. Their fan base seems to think he has had mix results with that.

3- #45 Joe Krabbenhoft 6-7 219 Sr
The protypical 'glue' guy. He gets the opposing teams best player when the Badgers need a stop. He is proficient in all aspects of the game (dribbling, rebounding, defense, shooting)and aveages around 8.5 PPG. He has always stood out to me when watching Badger games and he would be a solid addition to any team. Joe will mix it up.

4- #30 Jon Leuer 6-10 225 So
Jon is a dynamic offensive player outside of free throw shooting were he is below average. He can drive and score, post up and score, and from three land he can score. He averages over 9 a game and if his defense was better he would be on the floor more. Young player who is still developing physically.

5- #1 Marcus Landry 6-7 230 Sr
His brother Carl played at Purdue and is currently on the Houston Rockets. Due to the style of play the Badgers employ he has never scored like his older brother but has received all conference accolades. He averages 12.5 PPG and is a threat from three land. He is a good low post banger on both ends of the floor. He struggles at times with the really tall post players they go up against.

Bench:

G- #11 Jordan Taylor 6-1 190 Fr
This frosh didn't start picking up major minutes until B10 play. He is a solid point guard who has not yet scored like he did on the high school level. Jordan shot 20% from deep and 60% at the line. His minutes increased due to his stellar defensive play. Jordan averages about a point and half per game.

G/F- #24 Tim Jarmusz 6-6 210 So
Heir apparent to Krabbenhoft. This kid will do anything his team needs him to do. Mainly that is to come in and play great defense. He is a decent three point shooter but doesn't do anything else that will stand out on offense. He averages 3.5 PPG.

F- #52 Keaton Nankivil 6-8 240 So
The low post sub was projected as a starter beginning of the season. Very good offensive player who is better when he is aggressive on that end. He is the most pedestrian defender out of the Badgers top 8. He shoots over 50% from the field and is a great 69% from three (9/13) and he nailed two against FSU.

I have nothing but respect for Bo Ryan and his program at Wisconsin. They do not go after the flash and recruit great kids. Bo is an innovator who will present a challenge to Sean and staff. I predict X to win but not by more than a few. This will be a hotly contested game. I see BJ Raymond being an advantage for us. Also I like DBrown against Leuer when we have the ball. Point guard play goes to them but where that has really been exposed for X this year is when they play the uptempo teams. I would expect to see Anderson and Krabbenhoft to scuffle more than once. Should be a great game. Tips on Sunday at 2:20 PM.