When it comes to the Mount Rushmore of Wisconsin Badgers basketball, there are a plenty of players that come to mind. But, after much contemplation and research, I have chosen four players that stand out above the rest. These players have had a profound impact on the program and their individual accomplishments are undeniable.
Mount Rushmore of Wisconsin Badgers Basketball
These four players represent the very best of Wisconsin men’s basketball. Their athletic accomplishments, impact on the program, and longevity have solidified their place in Badger basketball history. They are remembered fondly by fans, and have a strong connection to the team’s history. They are true representatives of the tough and physical style of play that has come to define Wisconsin basketball, and their contributions to the program will be remembered for decades to come.
Michael Finley
- 2-time Big Ten Player of the Year
- First-round NBA draft pick
- All-American honors
- Led team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances
- Averaged 19.1 points per game during his college career
First, we have Michael Finley. This player was a force to be reckoned with during his time at Wisconsin. He was a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-round NBA draft pick. He led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and earned All-American honors. Finley’s combination of skill and leadership made him one of the most dominant players in the program’s history.
Alando Tucker
- 2-time first-team All-Big Ten selection
- Big Ten Player of the Year in 2007
- Led team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances
- Averaged 20.5 points per game during his senior season
- Averaged 16.9 points per game during his college career
Next, we have Alando Tucker. This player was a scoring machine during his time at Wisconsin. He was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2007. He led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and was known for his scoring ability and leadership on and off the court. Tucker’s ability to take over a game and will his team to victory makes him a worthy addition to the Mount Rushmore.
Frank Kaminsky
- National Player of the Year in 2015
- Consensus first-team All-American in 2015
- Helped lead team to the Final Four in 2014 and 2015
- Averaged 18.8 points per game during his senior season
- Averaged 13.9 points per game during his college career
Third, we have Frank Kaminsky. This player was a star during his time at Wisconsin, winning the National Player of the Year in 2015, and was a consensus first-team All-American that same year. He helped lead the Badgers to the Final Four in 2014 and 2015, and his impact on the program was undeniable. Kaminsky’s size, skill, and leadership made him a match-up nightmare for any team.
Ethan Happ
- 2-time first-team All-Big Ten selection
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice
- Consensus third-team All-American in 2018
- All-time leader in rebounds, assists and steals for the Badgers
- Averaged 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game during his senior season
Finally, we have Ethan Happ. This player was a workhorse during his time at Wisconsin. He was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice, and a consensus third-team All-American in 2018. He is also the program’s all-time leader in rebounds, assists, and steals. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, as well as his longevity in the program, makes him a deserving addition to the Mount Rushmore.
Related: Wisconsin Badgers Basketball
Players On the Bubble
Nigel Hayes, Jordan Taylor, Brian Butch and Jon Leuer are four players who have made a significant impact on the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball program. Each of them have left their mark on the program’s history in different ways. All of them have been instrumental in Wisconsin’s success and have left a lasting impact on the program. They will be forever remembered as four of the best Wisconsin Badgers basketball players of all time.
Nigel Hayes
Nigel Hayes, a versatile forward, was known for his ability to score, rebound and pass the ball. He was a key player in Wisconsin’s Final Four run in 2014 and 2015. He was also a three-time All-Big Ten selection and a two-time Third Team All-American.
Jordan Taylor
Jordan Taylor, a guard, was a key player during his four years in Wisconsin. He was a two-time first team All-Big Ten selection, and his leadership and playmaking ability helped lead the Badgers to the NCAA tournament three times.
Brian Butch
Brian Butch, a big man, was known for his ability to score and rebound. He was a two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, and his interior play helped lead the Badgers to the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007.
Jon Leuer
Jon Leuer, a forward, was a key player during his four years in Wisconsin. He was a two-time Second Team All-Big Ten selection, and his scoring and rebounding ability helped lead the Badgers to the NCAA tournament twice. He also was a key player in the team’s Sweet Sixteen run in 2011.
Related: Wisconsin Badgers Football
Parameters
- Athletic Accomplishments: One of the main criteria for being included on a “Mt. Rushmore” of a sports team or program is the individual’s athletic accomplishments. This includes things like conference and national awards, All-American honors, and records set during their time with the team.
- Impact on the Program: Another important criteria for being included on a “Mt. Rushmore” is the individual’s impact on the program. This includes things like the team’s success during their tenure, the impact they had on the culture of the team, and the legacy they left behind after they graduated or left the program.
- Longevity: A player that had a long-term impact on the program, not just a short term, should be considered. Players that were part of the program for a significant period of time and consistently made an impact during that time, should be considered.
- Popularity and Fan Appeal: Players that are remembered fondly by fans and have a strong connection to the team’s history, should be considered. This can be determined by fan polls, jersey sales, and other indicators of fan interest.
- Statistics: Accomplishments, records, and statistics set by a player, can also be considered as a criteria for the selection. They can help to measure the player’s impact on the program.
It’s worth mentioning that the selection process for my Mount Rushmore of Wisconsin Badgers Basketball is subjective and there are many other players that could be considered, but these four players stand out as the most important and memorable in the program’s history. Their contributions to the program will always be remembered, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Badger basketball players.
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