The Wisconsin basketball season is right around the corner, and much of the excitement surrounding the team has already begun to form.
The Badgers had a solid showing last season, with some trying time but an ultimate NCAA Tournament appearance in March. Things may not have gone the way the team wanted last season, but the Badgers are determined to flip the script during 2024. Currently, the Wisconsin basketball team is projected to finish 12th in the Big Ten Conference, but coach Greg Gard aims to prove otherwise.
With new additions to the program via the transfer portal and the 2024 recruiting class, some new faces can contribute quickly for the Badgers. Some of the new faces bring a certain level of offensive success in particular. However, the debate as to who will lead the Wisconsin basketball team in scoring is still up in the air for the season.
Wisconsin Basketball Scoring Leader Option #1: Guard Max Klesmit
The Wisconsin native Max Klesmit was an offensive spark plug for the Wisconsin basketball team last season, when he was on. Klesmit averaged 9.9 points per game but shot 43.7% from the field, with eight performances shooting under 30%. The guard has long had the potential to lead the Wisconsin offense, but has struggled to fully step into that role.
If Klemsit can find more consistency shooting the basketball and avoid bad IQ shots, the guard could certainly become the Wisconsin Badgers leading scorer.
Wisconsin Basketball Scoring Leader Option #2: Guard John Blackwell
The talented guard John Blackwell will likely receive an opportunity to start for the Wisconsin Badgers this season. Blackwell was one of the most efficient scorers for the Badgers last season, scoring eight points per game. Blackwell was inconsistent on offense much like his playing time was, but the guard had five performances with 15 or more points scored.
In a starting role surrounded by an offense willing to move the basketball, Blackwell could be one of the top scoring options for the team this season. The guard can shoot from the outside, or drive towards the basket for an accurate floater. The only real unproven area of his game in his mid-range shot, as Blackwell predominantly takes jumpers from long-range.
Wisconsin Basketball Scoring Leader Option #3: Center Steven Crowl
Steven Crowl, the big center for the Wisconsin basketball team, is likely not going to lead the team in scoring. However, what Crowl will have this season that will play to his advantage is an abundance of playmakers. Between Daniel Freitag, Camren Hunter, Kamari McGee, Max Klesmit, and John Blackwell, there are plenty of players willing to pass the big man the ball.
Crowl could receive more looks this season due to the pass-first, playmaking nature of some of the players on the Wisconsin basketball team.
Wisconsin Basketball Scoring Leader Option #4: Forward Xavier Amos
Xavier Amos is by far the most successful transfer that came into the Wisconsin basketball program. Last season, Amos scored 13.8 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field with the majority of his looks coming when he slashes towards the basket.
Amos has added another “20 or so pounds” according to coach Gard, and might be able to find more success slashing with his additional size. The forward also has an underrated three-point shot that can be deadly when Amos is in the zone. Amos also prefers to shoot from the right side of the court with the majority of his looks coming from that side, which is something the Wisconsin staff might try to plan around.
Wisconsin Basketball Scoring Leader Option #5: Forward Nolan Winter
Winter is perhaps one of the bigger dark horses to lead the team in scoring, but if he had made as much progress as coach Gard claims, it is not a far reach. Winter is a big, physical player to begin with but still lacked some size last season for the Wisconsin basketball team. With both more weight on his frame and better conditioning, the forward could be a player that transforms himself on the offensive side of the ball.
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