@wissox and I will offer our scouting report on Wisconsin as we each follow both teams. Here we go:
On offense, Wisconsin is a system team only. They really are not looking to take guys off the dribble and rarely play freely. They want to touch the post on every possession and regularly play late into the shot clock. They don’t often take bad shots and they’ll make you defend for 30 seconds.
On defense, they play tough M2M at all times and will make you earn it. They don’t reach a ton, don’t often go for steals and aren’t super interested in getting out in transition. It’ll be a meat grinder game that they’ll try to muck up and play ugly.
PG–Chucky Hepburn is really the only perimeter player they have who will look to take you off the dribble. He’s had a REALLY slow start to his season offensively, especially from 3. He’s capable offensively and is their engine, but it’s been ugly so far because of his struggles. His backups (Lindsay and McGee) aren’t special. Lindsay can shoot the 3, but is a walkon turned scholarship player.
SG–Max Klesmit is a transfer from Wofford. Scrappy with a decent outside shot. Defends like his life depends on it. Will probably piss you off as a KU fan. Just a solid player. His backup (Essegian) is a freshman who can really shoot it. Looks like he’s 12 and doesn’t really defend, but is Wisconsin’s only player who I’d say is a scorer.
SF–Jordan Davis thinks he’s his twin brother (who just got drafted in the top 10) and is nothing close to a high major BB player. My opinion is that he got a scholarship in order for UW to get his brother. He’s really only a threat to score close to the basket but will shoot the ball freely…which you should root for. Good defender. His backup (Ilver) barely played before this year and he’s only a 3-point shooter. Not much athleticism.
PF–Tyler Wahl is their best player who would be at a place like Kansas if he could shoot outside of 10 feet. He does everything else well…rebounds, defends, passes, leads, ball handling…just isn’t much of an outside shooter. UW wants to get him the ball on the block, clear out, and let him try to back you down. He’ll then go over either shoulder with a jump hook…usually after a pump fake. He can switch 1-5 on D and plays super hard. His backup (Gilmore) is another walk-on turned scholly player who is very limited offensively, but plays hard and physical on D. I’d be shocked if he shot the ball on offense except off of offensive rebounds
C–Steven Crowl is a true 7-footer who can play with his back to the basket and shoot the three. Not very athletic and pretty robotic, but can hurt you inside and out. He’s getting better moving his feet, but he really struggles against length and athleticism. Another guy they’ll throw it into and let him try to back you down. His backup (Hodges) plays 5 minutes/game and is raw.
I can’t imagine this will be a pretty game. KU has WAY more talent and athleticism and should win with ease. That said, UW grinds you and if they get KU into a wrestling match it works to their advantage. I think UW keeps it close for 30 minutes and then KU has too much and wins 68-52
