Once a Badger, Always a Badger
Senior Brad Davison has announced he will be returning for a final season with the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program.
The announcement was made through a tweet from the Badger’s Basketball program.
Brad Davison to Badger Nation: pic.twitter.com/ppaoLWmWOY
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) April 14, 2021
After the NCAA announced the 2020-21 season would not count toward a year of eligibility, Davison and his six senior teammates had difficult decisions to make. The Minnesota native was the only remaining senior who hadn’t already announced his plans for next year. Trevor Anderson (Valparaiso) and Walt McGrory (South Dakota) elected to transfer elsewhere. While Nate Reuvers, Micah Potter, D’Mitrik Trice, and Aleem Ford deciding to begin their professional careers.
Davison finished this season averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He had career highs in three-point percentage (38.9%) and free throw percentage (86.8%).
Davison is also one of few former Wisconsin players to play more than 4,000 minutes in their careers.
What This Means For The Team
With Davison’s commitment to returning, what does this mean for the team moving forward?
First, it gives Wisconsin options on what they want a lineup to look like. Although nothing is confirmed, Wisconsin is likely to roll with a lineup of incoming freshman Chucky Hepburn, Brad Davison, Johnathan Davis, Tyler Wahl, and Steven Crowl. If they want to go smaller, they can switch in Ben Carlson or Matthew Mors for Crowl to play the five role. For many coaches, it can be challenging to find the right group, especially with an inexperienced bunch. For Gard, the possibilities are probably what excites him the most.
Second, it allows the younger players to grow and not be thrown right into the thick of things. Incoming freshmen guard Chucky Hepburn is likely to see a lot of minutes this upcoming season. However, that time could be split between himself and freshman guard Lorne Bowman. Ultimately it gives their back-court minutes while not rushing them onto the court which allows more time for them to grow.
Lastly, it gives this team some much needed senior leadership. As of now, Davison would be the only senior on the roster. Forward Tyler Wahl and walk-on Carter Higginbottom would’ve been the oldest players on the team if Davison didn’t return. Who wouldn’t want Captain Brad, the endless hustle player, coaching up this young roster?
In the end, this is a great move not only for Davison but the Badger program as a whole. Love him or hate him, the Minnesota kid will always bleed Wisconsin red.
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