Wisconsin Slowly Finding Its New Identity
Posted by Deepak Jayanti on February 1st, 2016The first half of January wasn’t kind to Wisconsin. Losing its first three games by an average of just three points per contest to Indiana, Maryland and Northwestern put the Badgers behind the Big Ten eight-ball. As we now head into February, however, Greg Gard‘s new team seems to be slowly recovering just in time for the back half of the league schedule. Four straight wins to finish January has delivered some hope of making a run toward an NCAA Tournament bid, but to make that a reality, the Badgers will need to find answers to the following three questions.
Nigel Hayes will need to mix up his game to be effective with Ethan Happ.
- Can Ethan Happ and Nigel Hayes continue to effectively share the low post? The Badgers’ freshman star, Happ, isn’t a secret anymore. After averaging almost 20 PPG in wins over Michigan State, Penn State and Indiana, he drew consistent double teams from Illinois on Sunday. While he was able to pass the ball capably out of the post yesterday, there is a risk that Happ could slow down the offense if he starts to force bad shots in those situations. He and Hayes have been clicking inside together during the winning streak, but that trend will continue into the stretch run only if Hayes can remain active without the ball. The junior has struggled from the perimeter this season, making only 30 percent of his three-point attempts, so having him stand on the wing looking for jumpers while Happ works inside isn’t the long-term solution.
- How will Bronson Koenig define his role within the offense? It’s easy to drill uncontested three-pointers off of Frank Kaminsky kickouts, but Koenig doesn’t have that luxury this season. Save for a 27-point explosion against Michigan State, Koenig has really struggled to find his offense. Taking on the responsibility of running the team sets has too often forced him to break down his defender before pulling up for contested jumpers. Moving forward, teams will continue to force him to create his own shot unless Happ and Hayes prove they can effectively kick the ball out of double teams. If offensive chemistry develops among this trio, this is a group capable of pushing the Badgers into the top half of the conference standings. Gard needs all three to be effective every time out, though. Wisconsin can’t afford any to have an off night because the rest of the team provides little in the way of consistent offense.
- Can Wisconsin improve its perimeter defense? Wisconsin was one of the worst defensive teams on the perimeter in non-conference play, allowing opponents to make 36 percent of their three-point attempts. Without stars such as Kaminsky or Sam Dekker to bail them out, Gard’s team cannot afford to give up easy points this season (opponents are shooting a league-best 40.6 percent from three against the Badgers). Regardless of Wisconsin’s offensive issues, Koenig and Zak Showalter need to do what they can to shore up the team’s perimeter defense. One of the bright spots has been the defensive emergence of Khalil Iverson. He was extremely active in the lane and caused a couple of key turnovers over the weekend against Illinois. Gard may have to give additional minutes to Iverson based on size and energy on defense.
