Bo Ryan said after his title game loss to Duke that Wisconsin doesn’t do “rent-a-players” like fifth-year graduate transfers or one-and-done types of recruits. While that may not be completely true–Ryan recruited Wisconsin native Diamond Stone as hard as anyone, and Stone is considered to be a one-and-done–the Badgers are known for their player development.
After reaching back-t0-back Final Fours, that is exactly what UW will need to rely on for them to get back to where their fans are suddenly accustomed to being.
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Key Losses: Frank Kaminsky (graduation), Traevon Jackson (graduation), Duje Dukan (graduation), Josh Gassar (graduation)
Possible Losses: Sam Dekker (NBA Draft)
Key Returners: Nigel Hayes, Bronson Koenig
Key Newcomers: Brevin Pritzl (four-star, shooting guard), Alex Illikainen (three-star, power forward)
Breakdown: If Dekker returns to Madison, then it’s reasonable to think the Badgers have a shot for another NCAA Tournament run, since they’d return three starters from a team that made the title game. Whether he does or not, however, this program will be hurting for depth in 2015-2016. The addition of Pritzl should significantly improve the offensive capabilities of UW’s backcourt, which was perhaps its achilles heel in the Final Four. Pritzl, a four-star shooting guard, can light it up from beyond the arc but also get into driving lanes and finish through contact–sound like a Bo Ryan recruit, yet? Illikainen and Hayes will be a very fun frontcourt duo to watch, because both can score on the block, in the midrange and out to three-point territory. Perhaps the most important develop to monitor with UW is whether or not Zak Showalter can step up into a true contributing role. If so, he helps the Badgers’ depth and provides some insurance should Pritzl need time to adjust during his freshman season.
