Saturday, September 28, 2024

Wisconsin Basketball: What to Expect from Solid International Acquisition Riccardo Greppi

The Wisconsin basketball program announced its signing a contract with another foreign player yesterday, which could certainly strengthen the team.

Riccardo GreppiThe 6-foot-10 forward/center from Italy signed a letter of intent with the Wisconsin basketball program. Greppi was a solid player on his home team, Verona, in Italy-NextGen Leaguewhich is basically the G-League equivalent. With Greppi joining the roster, it’s a good time to analyze and fully look at the skills the fresh Badger possesses.

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Wisconsin Basketball Acquires International Center Riccardo Greppi from Italy

November 6, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard looks on during the second half of the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin basketball staff has added another international player, this time hailing from Italy, as center Riccardo Greppi has signed a letter of intent. Greppi will be available and ready to play for Wisconsin this upcoming season and seems poised to make an impact for the Badgers.

Greppi was a member of the Italy U18 national team and averaged 2.3 points in 12.3 minutes per game. The center found much more success last year with his team Verona in the Italy-NextGen league. Greppi averaged 9.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and shot 39.7% from the field in eight games.

What does Greppi offer the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team on the court?

Wisconsin Basketball
February 13, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31), forward Carter Gilmore (14) and head coach Greg Gard celebrate a three-pointer during the second half of their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin has recently been loving signing experienced, smart international players like Hayden Jones, Andrija Vukovicand now Greppi. One thing all three athletes have in common is that each has been able to break through to the highest level of play in their country. While none of them have dominated at that level, they all have the level of experience that the Wisconsin staff expects.

Greppi is a high, powerful center who can score in a variety of ways near the basket. The center has also shown a great jump shot, but is still working on developing his range and trying to shoot from further away. One thing Greppi has also worked on offensively is his consistency and handling of the basketball.

Greppi averaged 9.1 points per game last season for Verona, but shot 39.7 percent despite most of his shots coming from inside or near the three-second zone. Greppi also averaged 2.4 turnovers per game last season, which tied him for first in that unfortunate category. The center needs to improve his shooting consistency and avoid forcing players forward to fix his offensive woes.

Can Greppi break into the Wisconsin starting lineup early?

Wisconsin Basketball
March 2, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard looks on during the second half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports

Judging solely by what Greppi has done on the field in the past, the recruit has a chance to be a starter for Wisconsin this upcoming season. Although Greppi has yet to practice with the team, neither has head coach Greg Gard took a close look at the center, Greppi has raw skills that Wisconsin lacks.

With his natural ability to rebound and his excellent positioning on the court, Greppi puts himself in a position to succeed. The question is whether he can develop the consistency needed to succeed at the college level. The center has struggled with consistency in the past, but if he can find consistency in Madison, he should be a sure thing for excellent playing time.

More great sports content about Wisconsin

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