Trevon Hughes made the transition from role player to starter fairly smoothly. An afterthought as a freshman on a senior-laden team, he started 34 of 36 games last season and delivered for coach Bo Ryan. He was second on the team in scoring (11.2 ppg) and third in assists (2.5). He also led the Badgers in steals (1.8), ranking fourth in the Big Ten.
Now for the bad news: Hughes struggled mightily down the stretch. Once the calendar turned to March, he averaged just 7.8 points (eight games) and shot less than 40 percent. He actually shot less than 40 percent for the season, and his assist-to-turnover ratio was 1.18-to-1 not exactly what youre looking for in a point guard. The Badgers need more of the player who tore up the non-conference schedule and less of the guy who averaged only 9.7 points in Big Ten play. He doesnt have to be spectacular for Wisconsin to be successful, just steady.
Jason Bohannon was the Big Tens Sixth Man of the Year last season, and now he steps into a starting role. While Hughes faltered in conference play, Bohannon was at his best. He had six double-digit scoring games in conference play, including 18 points on six 3-pointers at Indiana. Hes an excellent spot-up shooter, and he led the team in 3-pointers while sinking a respectable 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Bohannon brings a different dimension than the graduated Michael Flowers. Hes not the defender his predecessor was, but hes a much better shooter. Coaches believe hell play serviceable defense and bring some added leadership.
Freshman Jordan Taylor, a three-star prospect, will see plenty of time in the backcourt. He was Mr. Basketball in Minnesota after averaging 22.3 points and 7.1 assists. Word in Madison is that he has impressed the upperclassmen with his play in the summer. Some believe he has the mind-set and maturity to step in and be a factor and hes physically ready as well.
FRONTCOURT
The Badgers will be anchored by senior forwards Marcus Landry and Joe Krabbenhoft. What a luxury for Ryan to have two players on whom he can rely to provide offense, defense, rebounding, toughness, etc. They simply find ways to contribute, be it filling up a box score or doing the little things that help Wisconsin win games.
Landry blossomed last season as a full-time starter. The leagues coaches voted him to the all-conference second team. He ranked third on the Badgers in scoring (10.8 ppg), but he was first in scoring during Big Ten play (12.1 ppg). He was second on the team in blocks and third in rebounding.
Krabbenhoft was a member of the five-man all-conference defensive team. He led the Badgers in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5-to-1), was second in rebounding (6.5), assists (2.5) and field-goal percentage (48.5 percent), and ranked third in steals. Good things happen for Wisconsin when Krabbenhoft has the ball. Defensively, he plays all-out – diving for loose balls and taking charges.
Keaton Nankivil will get the first crack at being the third starter up front. He has added strength and explosiveness this offseason, and the coaches believe hes ready to break through. He played sparingly as a freshman (2.4 mpg), but he had seniors Brian Butch and Greg Stiemsma in front of him. If he can take the experience of going against them in practice and be a little more physical, he has a chance to play significant minutes.
Jon Leuer saw more time as a freshman than Nankivil. He played mostly on the perimeter last season, and he shot the ball well from 3-point range (12 of 28) in limited opportunities. He flashed his potential against Michigan, going for 25 points, including 5-for-5 from 3-point range. Coaches expect Leuer to be more physical this season and get some of his points around the rim, too.
OFFENSE
Ryan and his staff do an excellent job of maximizing talent with their swing offense. Be it posting smaller players or sending post players to shoot 3-pointers, the Badgers find ways to score efficiently. They value each possession and put a premium on taking good shots.
DEFENSE
Few teams play better defense than Ryans Badgers. They yielded only 54.4 points per game last season to lead the nation. Its a clinic in hard-nosed man-to-man every time out. Theyll pressure the ball and deny in the post as if their lives depend on it.
SHOES TO FILL
F Brian Butch. The Polar Bear led the Badgers in scoring (12.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.6). He was a clutch player who will be missed.
MUST STEP UP
Landry. Hes the leader up front. The Badgers dont have a lot of experience in the frontcourt. While they hope Nankivil and/or four-star prospect Jared Berggren and/or three-star prospect Ian Markolf can develop quickly, Landry will have to hold down the fort.
IMPACT NEWCOMER
Taylor. Everything points to Taylor being the first player off the bench for the Badgers. The coaches love his feel for the game and his mental makeup.
