The Wisconsin Badgers may have failed to get the signature of Bosnian forward Harun Zrno for the 2025 season but they still have something to celebrate after getting commitment from one of the best young point guards in the world.
New Zealand’s Jackson Ball, turning 17 on March 10, has announced via Instagram that he is joining the University of Wisconsin’s basketball program for the 2026 season.
“I am grateful and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin!,” he wrote on his personal account.
“Huge thanks to Coach Gard and the rest of the Wisconsin coaching team for this opportunity. I can’t wait to put on the Wisconsin singlet ?⚪️
“I would also like to acknowledge coach Aidan Daly for all the time and effort he has given me. Truly appreciate the belief he has shown in me since the first day I dribbled a basketball.”
He paid the team a visit earlier this season. Interestingly, he is connected to Wisconsin in many ways as he used to play with 2025 Wisconsin commit Hayden Jones, and played under Kirk Penney who played for Badgers from 1999 to 2003.
The next Wisconsin Badgers point guard’s profile
Lots of guards will leave the Badgers soon – Max Klesmit and team’s top scorer John Tonje among them.
Ball’s development will be key to team’s succession. How good can he be?
Being able to play professional basketball at the age of 16 is something to be proud of. That is what Luka Doncic, Ricky Rubio, and LaMelo Ball did.
He is currently part of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks back in his home country and is averaging around 4 points per game in around 15 minutes.
He has been tested internationally as he was part of the Under-17 team that played USA’s high school stars AJ Dybantsa, and the Boozer twins.
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