The B10 and Badger fans are scrambling to understand what happened at the end of the 2019-20 season. The Badgers are B10 Champions. My bet is by the beginning of next year...The Badger's Title run will be forgotten by most in the B10.
Before it's forgotten. Here are 4 details that can't be lost in UW's run:
Once people sit down, evaluate the season, and turn to what next year can be I think it's clear. UW should win the B10, be a top 10 team, and have every opportunity to make a Final Four.
Before it's forgotten. Here are 4 details that can't be lost in UW's run:
- Gard's use of his roster was masterful: UW played with an 8 man rotation including: (A) A guy who had to sit out first-semester; (B) A guy coming off recurring knee problems; And, (C) A freshman. Gard adjusted minutes and roles based on matchups. His players were prepared, willing, and successful at handling the variations in routine.
- Gard's adjusted defensive assignments to help Potter and Reuvers get/stay on the court together: At the beginning of the win-streak, Potter and Reuvers were on the court at the same time out of necessity (OSU's girth) by the time UW played Indiana Potter and Reuvers were used together strategically. Against Indiana (especially late), the way Potter and Reuvers worked almost looked like UW was playing a 3-2 zone on the interior. The combined length, connectedness, and communication were really impressive late in the Indiana game.
- IMG Boys developed consistency: Trice and Ford had created perceptions for themselves prior to this year. Trice wasn't a PG. Ford was soft. Prior to the win streak both were struggling to shake those. The showed flashes...but not consistency. By the time UW got to the Indiana game, Trice's total assists and ATO ratio had dramatically increased while Ford became a consistent double-digit scorer and willing rebounder.
- The programs Culture of Connectedness: For an athletic department and a basketball program that has relentlessly preached the importance of culture for years, there is no program or returning group that will even understand it better than 2019-20 Men's Basketball Team. As times got tough, they grew closer. And that reliance on the culture of connectedness more than anything won them a B10 Title.
- The culture will be the foundation: 6 new players who have witnessed what can happen as a result of culture, will become part of the culture and learn how that culture is cultivated and maintained from a group of 6 seniors who know more than any class ever at UW how important culture is.
- Tyler Wahl will become consistent: While Wahl struggled down the stretch... watch his tape from the 1st OSU game. He's a kid who knows where to be, what to do, and how to do it. As the season wore on...he just lacked the strength and confidence required to be consistent.
- Reuvers and Potter will combine to be the Big 10s best front line: Once UW figured out how to play Reuvers and Potter in tandem, the thing that prevented them from doing it more was depth. With Ford as the only other true frontcourt player, Gard had to be really careful with his rotations and minutes. Enter PF Ben Carlson. Having one more body available to take mid-game minutes will limit help UW ensure Potter and Reuvers can play more minutes together in 2020-21.
- Gard's mastery will continue: Gard has a roster of veteran guys willing, able, and experienced playing a variety of roles. Gard is getting an infusion of young talent. There is no doubt - Gard will identify what roles his young talent can consistently handle and wrap his veteran flexible core around them to form a deep and extremely formidable team.
Once people sit down, evaluate the season, and turn to what next year can be I think it's clear. UW should win the B10, be a top 10 team, and have every opportunity to make a Final Four.
