Key Returnees: G Trevon Hughes, G Jason Bohannon, F Jon Leuer
Key Departures: F Joe Krabbenhoft, F Marcus Landry
Recruits: F Mike Bruesewitz (Mendota Heights, MN), G Diamond Taylor (Bolingbrook, IL)
Need: Small Forward
2010 Outlook: There's good news and bad news for Wisconsin fans. The bad news is that you have to replace pieces in the frontcourt. The good news is two-fold: a.) Bo Ryan has stockpiled size, and b) the backcourt returns. We'll get to that in a minute.
Replacing Krabbenhoft's toughness and Landry's leadership will be difficult. For his four-year career, Krabbenhoft was the glue that kept the Badgers together, always diving for loose balls and doing the little things to help his team win. Landry was arguably their most polished offensive player and could go outside or in. Couple their departures with the losses of Brian Butch and Greg Stiemsma from a year ago and you'll find that Wisconsin has to replace the starting power forward and center in consecutive seasons. But as I mentioned earlier, there are replacements in the wings.
Jon Leuer is a good place to start. While maybe not capable to be a true low-post presence, Leuer's size at 6'10" and unusual quickness makes him a defensive mismatch for any team. His stats may not have shown in this past year, but he has a breakout year and will very much be a part of the mix next year. Keaton Nankivil (6'8", 240) got some experience last year and should also be in the mix for some playing time. And don't forget massive centers Ian Markolf (7'0", 270) and Jered Berggren (6'10", 235) who didn't even play this past season. In terms of replacing Krabbenhoft, junior-to-be Tim Jarmusz looks capable of assuming that do-everything role, as does incoming freshman Mike Bruesewitz.
Wisconsin should be strong in the backcourt, with starting guards Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon both returning for their senior seasons. A forgotten name amidst the guards is Jordan Taylor, who is prime for a breakout season next year as a sophomore. Taylor has got a Big Ten-ready body and the game to go with it. He may not start next year, but you best believe he'll play often. He won't be the only "Taylor" on the team next year, as incoming freshman Diamond Taylor (no relation) will push for playing time.
Wisconsin has the necessary pieces to make it back to another NCAA Tournament, but the emergence and development of their bigs will play a big factor in that. The steadiness and continuity of the guards are a good place to start for any team looking to dance into March and if we know Bo Ryan, that's where Wisconsin will be.
Next Up: Michigan
Wisconsin's program sort of feels like it's gone stale. But then you have to remind yourself that they have an incredible recruiting class on tap for 2010. And they have Bo Ryan. The 2009-10 season might just be alright, but the Badgers will probably compete for another Big Ten championship in the next three years.
ReplyDeleteI really wish Iowa could find a Bo Ryan of its own.
Brad, are you previewing the teams in reverse order of how you think they'll finish?
ReplyDelete