After a 56-54 loss in the NIT semifinals, the Wisconsin Badgers are now in the offseason. There’s no doubt it’s an important one. They need to add depth and more talent if they are going to return to the NCAA Tournament next season. While we’re not sure who is staying and who is leaving, I’m going to assume in this piece that the rotation players stay and that Tyler Wahl returns for a fifth season.
Wisconsin Basketball Point Guard Stays Consistent
If Chucky Hepburn stays, there is no doubt he will be the starting point guard. There’s also no doubt he needs to have a bounce-back season. Hepburn was asked to do a ton this past season and he struggled in clutch time. He does need to improve on his shot selection and take better higher percentage shots. At the same time, he is a talented player and one of Wisconsin’s best guards.
For the backup, I am going to stick with Kamari McGee. I thought McGee improved a lot as the season went along and ended up as a solid rotation player. I think this summer is a big one for McGee as well as he needs to develop a more consistent jump shot.
Shooting Guard Depth Chart Needs Work
Max Klesmit is, without a doubt, the starter here. He emerged as Wisconsin’s leader towards the end of the season and made some big-time shots late in games. He’s the engine that makes Wisconsin go, and he’s a very good defender. When he needs to, he’s shown to be able to shoot the ball well consistently too.
This is where Wisconsin Basketball needs a transfer player who can be a spot-up shooter. Klesmit does a ton on the defensive side that he isn’t looked at as a scoring option. In case you didn’t know, Wisconsin struggled to shoot the ball all season. This would be a perfect spot to get a transfer player who can provide 15-20 minutes a game and let it fly.
Small Forward Remains a Strength for Wisconsin Basketball
This is Connor Essegian’s spot. He ended up being a bright spot for Wisconsin Basketball, and I think most expected that. I did not expect him to start games, but I knew he would be able to help immediately on offense. While his defense does need work, I have no doubt he will clean that up over the summer and get into the weight room. I have high expectations for Connor Essegian in 2023.
I still think Jordan Davis plays a role in this rotation next season. While Essegian is a very gifted offensive player, Davis is a pretty good defender. I do see him as a three-and-D player, but he needs to continue to improve his three-point shot. He did show glimpses on offense and had some good games, but it was too inconsistent.
Several Possibilities at Power Forward
I am going to assume Tyler Wahl comes back for a fifth year. To be honest, I would be surprised if he didn’t come back. Wahl needs a bounce-back year in 2023, and he has to develop his jump shot. Too many times this year, we saw a hesitant Wahl, and he couldn’t go to another part of his offensive game. he’s still a very good defender with great footwork. If he comes back, the spot is his.
This is where we see a freshman take over. I think this will be Gus Yalden’s spot. While Yalden will be only a freshman, he has the body to play in the Big Ten right away and is an offensive threat from anywhere. I think he would be a good one-two punch with Wahl. I am very excited to see Gus Yalden in a Wisconsin Basketball uniform next season, and I think he contributes right away.
Depth Chart Reinforcements Needed at Center
This will be Steven Crowl’s spot and that won’t be up for debate. Crowl did get better in the NIT tournament, but next season is where he needs to take the next step. We saw flashes of it during the season, but we also saw a player who wasn’t always willing to go at the rim and be aggressive. Greg Gard has stated multiple times he needs to be more aggressive, and I agree.
This has to be a transfer player as the backup, and Greg Gard has no excuses. He needs to get a player in this position, and they need to be an established veteran. It is a tough ask, but it has to happen.
Other Players To Note on the Wisconsin Basketball Depth Chart
I like John Blackwell as a point guard. As a freshman next season, I would not be surprised if he also saw minutes. Guard play is so good in the Big Ten that I like Kamari McGee. However, don’t be surprised if Blackwell ends up stealing minutes at some point.
I am also excited for Nolan Winter. He has the chance to be a really good stretch five. I don’t think he’s strong enough yet, so I would assume he will redshirt next season. I also think he has the highest upside.
I did not include Carter Gilmore in this. While he works his tail off on the defensive side and did some nice things, he’s just too much of a liability on offense. At 6’7, he’s an undersized big man and doesn’t have the shooting to be a stretch player. He could see some minutes, but I think his playing time goes down next season.
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