Wisconsin Scouting Report

The Wisconsin Badgers are one of the biggest surprises in college basketball that nobody likes to talk about. Greg Gard replaced three starters with guys who can pass and shoot their way to the best offense since Bo Ryan was on the sideline.

Badgers Statistical Profile

Wisconsin shoots 48.1% of their shots from three, a top twenty rate in the country. This team is built on their shooting and they play to that heavily. Purdue gives up a TON of threes on defense but much of that is caused from Purdue's defense collapsing to protect the rim.

Wisconsin's ability or lack of ability to pressure the rim will be a fascinate aspect of their game versus Purdue. Additionally, can Wisconsin stay even or win the possession battle against Purdue in Mackey? They prefer transition defense over offensive rebounds but the bigger guards could give Purdue fits on the glass.

Wisconsin's Offense

For the past couple of years, Wisconsin defaults to a pick and roll motion to involve all five players. This is their best version of the motion with great passers and shooters stretching the floor. Let's dive into what to expect from the Badgers!

The pick and roll motion works through the bigs at the top of the key with the bigs reversing the ball. They love empty side PnRs and the bigs are very good at seeing their partner rolling to the rim.

If Wisconsin has two guards on one side, the higher position cuts to the rim. If that guard is late for the rim cut, they will shallow cut to the opposite wing.

What Wisconsin excels at is drawing two defenders to the ball and quickly moving the ball to the open man. I would expect Wisconsin to drive to the baseline a lot and kicking the ball to the top of the key or back to out to the wing. Don't expect Wisconsin to start throwing crazy cross court passes.

When the offense isn't running their ball screen motion, look for John Blackwell and Joh Tonje bullying their way to the rim. Their creation ability combined with the shooting makes them a tough guard.

Key Badgers

#25 - John Blackwell

It is hard to decide who is Wisconsin's best player. The common answer is Tonje but it isn't as clear as the numbers may present. Purdue is going to test Blackwell's ball handling and passing. I would use Braden Smith on Blackwell, having Smith looking to use his hands to bother Blackwell.

#9 - John Tonje

I wrote a more in-depth articel about Tonje earlier in the season that dove into Tonje's overall impact. He is a physical force that has shot the three extremely well for Wisconsin. The problem has been his passing, which has left things to be desired. I think Purdue's defensive scheme will give Tonje fits.

#31 - Nolan Winter

The sophomore has flown under my radar but is statistically the third player for the Badgers. I haven't watched a lot from Winter but my limited opinion would be to limit his catch & threes and force him to create for himself. I think I would use Caleb Furst to guard Winter.

Who Wins?

It is really hard to bet against Purdue at Mackey coming off of a loss. Purdue's offense has blitzed opponents with their shooting and ability to force turnovers. The one area that they struggle with is allowing offensive rebounds.

Despite the logical answer, I could see Wisconsin making this a very close game. In Wisconsin's last three games in Mackey, the Badgers are 1-2 but those loses were by 8 and 5 points. Because of their home shooting, I think Purdue pulls out a close one versus the Badgers.