The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team secured an 85-61 win over the Holy Cross Crusaders to tip-off the 2024 basketball season.
During the win, the Wisconsin Badgers looked rough out of the gates after allowing the Crusaders to get out to a massive lead. However, the team looked significantly different in the second-half, scoring 50-points and effectively putting the game out of reach for the Crusaders.
While the Badgers looked good in the second-half and secured the much needed win, Wisconsin still left the game with a few questions.
Wisconsin Badgers Postgame Question #1: Can John Tonje Continue to Lead the Offense?
One player many analysts and coaches alike were concerned about heading into this season was starting guard John Tonje. The guard played for Missouri last season in eight games before suffering a season-ending lower body injury. Tonje entered the portal as a question mark, with many believing the guard may never return to same explosiveness.
However, Tonje proved otherwise and did not look like a player who has spent nearly a year away from competitive basketball. Tonje knocked down three triples and scored 23-points against the Crusaders in his official return to collegiate basketball.
With the performance on Tonje in mind, many fans have wondered whether or not the guard can continue to play the same level of offense. While everyone is human and prone to slumps, Tonje was relatively consistent with Colorado State two season ago when the guard had a much bigger sample size. Tonje scored single-digit points just seven times out of 33 games during the 2022-23 season.
Wisconsin Badgers Postgame Question #2: Is Nolan Winter the Interior Presence the Team Needs?
Winter was arguably the top performer for the Wisconsin Badgers, scoring 15-points and shooting a perfect percentage from the floor. The forward also added four rebounds, two assists, and one block, but was outshined by the offensive play of John Tonje.
While Winter may not have received the praise he should have, the forward also provided a type of play the team can truly utilize. Coach Greg Gard is adamant about shooting more three-point shots this season, but that does not mean the team will abandon the paint. Winter looked intelligent and poised cutting the the basket, while also showcasing an ability to make plays happen with his back to the basket.
The forward has plenty of different ways he can be utilized as he continues to expand his game, which bodes well for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Wisconsin Badgers Postgame Question #3: What Can Camren Hunter Add to the Team?
The Wisconsin win over the Holy Cross Crusaders offered some sort of look at every single player for the Badgers, except one. Guard Camren Hunter was a participant in the exhibition for the Wisconsin Badgers, but missed the opening regular season game with an injury. Hunter is nearly a year removed from official competition after suffering an injury last year, but could provide something Wisconsin needs.
Kamari McGee is an excellent guard and a player who truly plays with his heart, but 28-minutes per game does not seem sustainable for the guard. However, McGee is a career 25.6% from three-point range but makes up for his shooting accuracy with a leadership presence on the court. Hunter offers the same qualities, but also has a more notable interior game compared to McGee.
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