The Wisconsin basketball staff was busy this off-season developing a plan and building a team that could lead to greater success than last season.
However, a team needs all the proper components in order to fully blossom and coach Greg Gard was well aware of that fact while constructing the new roster. The Badgers endured serious roster changes after fighting towards the best regular season and postseason finish the program has had in recent years. Each individual on the roster previously served a purpose that the team relied upon and replacing each individual was not an easy task.
One such transfer portal acquisition brought in to replace some of the talent the Wisconsin basketball team had coming off of the bench is Braeden Carrington. The Minnesota native began his career with the Golden Gophers and played two seasons with the program, earning ten starts and an average of 20 minutes of play per game across both seasons.
Carrington transferred down to Tulsa this past season in search of both playing time and development, which the guard was able to secure. Carrington averaged 7.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season while shooting 33.6% from long-range.
Additionally, the guard grew into a role as a three-point specialist and perimeter defender which could become the same role served in Wisconsin. While successful in both Minnesota and Tulsa, Carrington played inconsistent minutes and needed to be on top of his game to stay in. In Madison, the guard may be able to find more consistent playing time due to what he can provide the team.
How Can Braeden Carrington Improve the Wisconsin Basketball Team Next Season?
Last season was an amazing one for both the Wisconsin basketball program and the Badgers fans, but building off of success in the current state of college athletics involves quickly adapting to change. For the Wisconsin staff, adapting on the fly is exactly what is expected of Carrington and the rest of the transfer class as the Badgers aim to continue to play the same brand of basketball.
Coach Greg Gard previously expressed an interest in shooting more long-range shots and taking advantage of the three-point looks that are created. In order to do so, Gard had previously tooled together a roster of long-range players who compliment each other.
Enter Carrington, and the Wisconsin basketball staff may have found someone who can fill the role of Max Klesmit off of the bench. Carrington and Klesmit share many similarities when shooting the basketball, but Carrington will provide a slimmer frame and a smooth shooting mechanism.
Carrington may not be the most flashy player or the most well-rounded player, but the strengths of the guard are impressive when surrounded by the right support. A season ago, Carrington started 19 games for Tulsa but had arguably his best performances when coming off of the bench and serving in a role for the team.
Carrington has very much so developed a reputation as a volume shooter who does his best work in short clips, and struggles with taking on the majority of the offensive load.
The guard took ten or more shots four times last season and scored double-digit points five times last season with ten or less shots. Carrington had three games last season where he shot the ball more than ten times and scored double-digit points, but shot 34.2% from the field while doing so.
Moving forward, the key for Carrington and the Wisconsin basketball staff is going to be creating dedicated looks for the guard. Carrington plays his best ball when shooting a few clutch three-point shots is needed and struggles when having to create his own offense at times.
If the Wisconsin basketball team can move the ball around and find ways to give the guard solid looks at the basket, then Carrington should be an ace off of the bench for the team. The guard is also not the most exciting defender, but a capable pick-pocket who improved his defensive skills a season ago with Tulsa.
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