The Big Ten season is now in full force for Wisconsin basketball. The Badgers begin the conference portion of the schedule beginning January 2 against Iowa. Wisconsin currently stands at 9-3 overall. It will be a long 19 game stretch, but here are my predictions for the Big Ten season for Wisconsin basketball.
Connor Essegian Becomes an X-Factor
It’s been a tough ride so far for the sharp shooting Wisconsin basketball sophomore. After suffering a back injury in the season opener, the defense and scoring hasn’t been there yet for Connor Essegian. Gard Gard has mentioned they need Essegian to play better on the defensive side and they don’t have time to sit and wait. The emergence of John Blackwell on both sides has also played a role in the decreased minutes.
At the end of the day, I have a hard time believing Essegian will play limited minutes in the Big Ten. Every game matters and his shooting ability can win this team games. I think Gard gives Essegian good minutes in conference play. It’s not a matter of if the shooting will come back, but when it will come back.
Wisconsin Basketball Beats Illinois and Splits With Purdue
I’ve mentioned recently the Badgers biggest obstacles will be Purdue and Illinois. I think both teams are bad match-ups. Purdue’s Zach Edey is a problem for any team. I also believe the height and physicality of Illinois could be an issue.
Wisconsin basketball only sees Illinois once and it is at home on March 2. There could be a lot riding on this game for Big Ten Tournament seeding. It’s a game I see the Badger winning.
The Badgers see Purdue twice. They will host the Boilermakers on February 4 and travel to West Lafayette March 10 to end the regular season. There is potential Big Ten championship aspirations in both games. While Edey is a problem, I think Wisconsin basketball matches well with Purdue’s dynamic guard duo of Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith. I think the Badgers split with Purdue.
Wisconsin Basketball Clinches a Double Bye in the Big Ten Tournament
It’s a long 10 weeks in the Big Ten season. Anyone can beat anyone on a given night. Just about every team has a home court advantage and great crowds.
I just like the vibes of this Wisconsin basketball team. With a player like AJ Storr, who has similar comparisons to Johnny Davis, you have a player who can spread the court and take pressure off players like Chucky Hepburn and let him does what he does best.
Wisconsin basketball has some of the best depth in the Big Ten outside of Purdue. Depth matters especially when you get into the month of February. Add in the experience these players got from a season ago, I think they figure it out this year and end up one of the top four teams in the Big Ten that would get a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
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