The stud of the 2024 Wisconsin basketball recruiting class, point guard Daniel Freitag, has been exceptional on offense since joining the team.
During the first open practice of the season, the Wisconsin media received a quick look at the team and at the standouts specifically. While Xavier Amos has been amazing for the team, Daniel Freitag has also been great offensively. Freitag joins the team as star guard and offensive weapon AJ Storr has transferred out of the team following a successful season.
Freitag is the 129th-ranked recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and headlines the incoming class for Wisconsin. Alongside Freitag in the class is three-star guard Jack Robison and Italian center Riccardo Greppi. Robison is ranked as the 192nd recruit in the 2024 recruiting class as well as the 40th small forward.
During the first showing of the season for Freitag with the public watching, the guard impressed on offense throughout practice. The guard has been known for his exceptional speed with the basketball as well as his scoring intelligence. Not only does Freitag has a great knowledge for his shot selection, but also understands which lanes he should drive through and which players he can challenge.
If you want some juice from #Badgers practice.
Daniel Freitag was pretty damn good offensively this afternoon.
Had an eye-opening baseline rip vs. Blackwell and finished in traffic at the rim.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/hP4pIg5qIs
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 26, 2024
While the Wisconsin basketball staff had added plenty of talent to the team through the portal, there is still playing time to go around. Coach Greg Gard is well known for rewarding players with playing time due to what they are doing in practice. With Freitag impressing, a possible journey into the starting lineup as a freshman may not be out of the question.
Wisconsin Basketball Freshman Daniel Freitag Could Secure Significant Playing Time
While the Badgers do not have the greatest track record recently with starting freshmen, it could be something that occurs during the season with Freitag.
Last season, true freshman John Blackwell impressed with his all-around ability on the court, and secure solid playing time. Blackwell acted as the sixth man most of the time for Wisconsin, and was the first guard off of the bench for most of the season. However, Blackwell only started one game all season and it was due to injuries.
Many fans and analysts alike argued that the Badgers could have potentially benefitted from starting Blackwell and giving the guard more minutes. However, it was a personnel change that never came a season ago despite the value he offered.
The same will likely be said about Freitag this season as he is an offensive catalyst, but still needs to develop his game all-around. It could be sometime before the guard is able to secure a start with the Wisconsin basketball team.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter (X) @JarrettGuerrera, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on all things Wisconsin sports, click here