There is no doubt that Wisconsin basketball has struggled defensively this season, but the issues stem from a bigger problem.
Wisconsin basketball has been battling in the recruiting world to land a big, physical center who can dominate games inside or out for the team. Big men like Indiana Hoosier Kel’el Ware or Purdue Boilermaker Zach Edey both control the pace of games when teams fail to stop them. For Wisconsin basketball, in order to develop into the successful team they hope to improve a certain defensive category.
Wisconsin Basketball Dead Last in Big Ten Conference For Team Blocks
With just two regular season games left for the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team, there are plenty of areas the Badgers can improve upon before post-season play. For Wisconsin, the improvements must start and end on defense, particularly on the inside.
Wisconsin has perhaps the least-menacing interior defense in the Big Ten Conference, and that is no shot at center Steven Crowl, but rather the entire Badgers squad. Crowl has never been a serious interior defender, but his 14 blocks this season is rather disappointing. Wisconsin currently has 48 blocks this year, which is one more that Indiana’s Ware has this season (47) and 15 less than Zach Edey alone (63).
Forward Tyler Wahl has led the Wisconsin basketball team in blocks this season with 18, which has been a pleasant surprise for the defender. While Wahl has stepped up on defense, the rest of the team continues to struggle as three Minnesota defenders rank ahead of Wahl in total blocks.
Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Need Physical, Intimidating Presence Inside the Paint
This season for Wisconsin basketball, the Badgers have failed to play physical defense down low against opposing powerful big men. Wisconsin basketball has also struggled to closeout shots from the perimeter, which combined with their lack of interior defense creates a terrible perfect storm. Without the Badgers excelling at some aspect of defense, winning games has become harder and harder.
The skid this season for the Badgers truly did not start until the loss to Nebraska in overtime. Nebraska has been one of the strongest teams at home across the entire NCAA this season, having only lost one home game this season with an 18-1 home record. Wisconsin nearly became the second team to do so, but seemed to have lost their defensive swagger since dropping the overtime game.
Wisconsin basketball needs to return to basic, hard-nosed basketball where they do not allow easy drives or easy shots. The weak defense they have been playing is being exposed by even teams that struggle to score like the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Can the Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Program Improve Their Paint Defense?
There is a new need in this day and age of basketball for someone who can patrol the paint and control the shots that go in. For Wisconsin basketball, center Steven Crowl has struggled to maintain this role due to his lack of strength and his foul trouble as well. Without Crowl on the floor, Wisconsin truly has no one to confidently defend the paint against strong offensive players.
Wisconsin needs to find a player either in the transfer portal or in a recruiting class next season that can provide the physicality down low the Badgers need.
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
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply