Basketball fans in Wisconsin haven’t had a lot to cheer about this season. Coming off an elite eight finish in the tournament, Marquette was expected to win the Big East this season. Instead, they have fallen far short of that standard and have a pedestrian 10-7 record.
Then there’s the Milwaukee Bucks who currently have a league worst, 7-29 record, on pace to finish with one of the worst records in Franchise history. The saying “There’s always next season” would apply to these teams. Despite the disappointments of these teams, one Wisconsin team is delivering in a big way this season. That team is the Wisconsin Badgers.
At 16-1 the Wisconsin Badgers are among the nation’s top teams, ranking third in the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Poll. The Badgers have been impressive this year beating multiple top 25 teams. Despite a close loss to Big Ten rival Indiana, they are off to one of the best starts in school history. Badger fans are hopeful that this is the year they return to the Final Four for the first time since 2000.
The Badgers team doesn’t cross your mind when you think of “explosive” or “entertaining to watch.” Thirteenth year head coach Bo Ryan’s philosophy has always been play solid defense, win games, and make the NCAA tournament. This year has had a different feel in the Badgers game play though. What’s different? These Badgers know how to score.
With the help of standout sophomore Sam Dekker, senior Frank Kaminsky, and the rest of the highly talented, but not well known Badgers, Wisconsin has had one of the most efficient offense attacks in the nation. Coach Ryan’s squad has averaged 76.4 points a game while making 47.2% of field goals. This team can drive to the hoop as well as pull up for a shot. Senior Frank Kaminsky displayed this as he recorded 43 points in a game early this season.
It has been said by several the Bo Ryan is a good enough coach to get his team into the tournament and win a game or two, but never be a legitimate team to win a championship. Some have said that Bo Ryan just needs the right group of players to have a championship caliber team. If there ever was a “right” group of players, this is the one.
The Badgers haven’t played in the NCAA title game in 72 years. With one of the best groups of players in school history, the Badgers have the chance to break the stereotype of not being a basketball school. If the team is able to stay in the top four they might be able to get a #1 seed for the tournament, which would be there best chance make the Final Four. And maybe, do what some would consider impossible for a Wisconsin basketball team. Win a national championship.