Here’s what we think we know about the Wisconsin Badgers: We know that Nigel Hayes improved tremendously as a sophomore after a solid freshman campaign. The big forward developed a more well-rounded offensive game and became one of the better interior players in the Big Ten. We also know that point guard Bronson Koenig proved more than capable of running the show when starter Traveon Jackson missed 19 midseason games due to injury. Those two are poised to become two of the best players in the league. We also know that this season might be Bo Ryan’s last on the sidelines in Madison, although, then again, it might not be. In summation, we really don’t know all that much beyond those few things in the wake of Wisconsin’s historic run to the National Championship game. The questions about Ryan’s status will be answered in due time, but who specifically will be the replacements for all the players that are gone?

Nigel Hayes needs some help in the form of newcomers for Wisconsin to pick up where it left off in 2014-15. (Getty)

Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker, Josh Gasser, Traveon Jackson, and Duje Dukan. Four seniors and a junior who played a rather large part in the Badgers’ 66-12 overall record during the last two seasons. That means there’s a whole lot of playing time and shots to be had. Ethan Happ may get the first crack at attempting to replace Kaminsky’s spot in the lineup. The redshirt freshman has used the education he learned on the scout team to become a much more polished player. In the team’s recent scrimmage against Wisconsin River-Falls, Happ notched a double-double in 19 minutes, going 7-of-9 from the field. He could become the top option in the post with Kaminsky now playing in Charlotte.

Dekker averaged 19.2 PPG in six NCAA Tournament games and is now playing professionally. It’s doubtful anyone can replace the All-American’s scoring, but look for Vitto Brown to step in and fill many of those available minutes. The junior will contribute rebounding (18.6 percent defensive rebounding rate) and an ability to step out and make mid-range jumpers. Dukan had an inconsistent senior season but he gave the team bench scoring when he was shooting well. Look for freshman Alex Illikainen, a top 150 player according to 247sports, to get the first opportunity to become a stretch-four from the bench. He also played well (12 points and seven rebounds) in last week’s scrimmage and should get some of the minutes that Dukan used.

Zak Showalter, The former walk-on is one of the best athletes on the team, and he tied for the team lead in steals rate in limited action. (USA TODAY Sports)

From the guard spot, it’s hard to quantify exactly what Gasser brought to the table. He always shot the ball well (56.5 percent eFG for his career), but he made his mark with strong defense on the perimeter. It stands to reason that Zak Showalter could bring the same kind of defensive intensity with additional minutes. The former walk-on is one of the best athletes on the team, and he tied for the team lead in steals rate in limited action. Look for Showalter to draw the best perimeter player on the other team, much like Gasser did for the last couple of seasons. Riley Dearing could also get some time at this spot as well. He brings more size than Showalter and could become a bit more of a scoring option. Koenig will likely play the point guard slot for a minimum of 30 minutes a game. Look for redshirt sophomore Jordan Hill and freshman Brevin Pritzl to get a look here when Koenig rests. Both players are 6’3″ and can bring a bit more scoring and playmaking to the lineup as combo guards.

There are a good number of questions facing Ryan’s squad heading into this season. Players who were buried on the bench and incoming freshmen will have to contribute immediately. The venerable head coach has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt because of his past accomplishments, but this team might struggle early in the season. But the odds are that several unknowns — perhaps even some of the other freshmen like Charlie Thomas and Khalil Iverson — will find a way to make an impact and fit into the Wisconsin system. There’s enough returning talent her to expect the Badgers to finish in the top four of the Big Ten standings once again.

Brendan Brody (307 Posts)

Brendan Brody is in his fourth season covering the Big Ten for RTC. Email him at brendan.brody@gmail.com, or follow him on twitter @berndon4.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 11th, 2015 at 2:15 pm by Brendan Brody and is filed under big ten, microsites. Tagged: Alex Illikainen, bo ryan, Brevin Pritzl, bronson koenig, Charlie Thomas, Ethan Happ, feature, jordan hill, Khalil Iverson, Nigel Hayes, Riley Dearing, vitto brown, wisconsin, zak showalter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.