The Wisconsin basketball season is quick approaching and the excitement around the team has already begun.
The Badgers He performed well last season with some trial time, but ultimately played in the NCAA Tournament in March. Things may not have gone the way the team wanted last season, but the Badgers are determined to change the script in 2024. The Wisconsin basketball team is currently projected to finish 12th in the Big Ten Conference, but coach Greg Gard wants to prove that it’s different.
With modern additions to the program through the transfer portal and a 2024 recruiting class, some modern faces could quickly contribute to the Badgers’ development. Some of the modern faces bring a certain level of offensive success in particular. However, the debate over who will lead the Wisconsin basketball team in scoring this season is still up in the air.
No. 1 option for Wisconsin basketball’s scoring leader: Guard Max Klesmit
Wisconsin native Max Klesmit was the offensive spark plug for the Wisconsin basketball team last season when he was on. Klesmit averaged 9.9 points per game, but shot 43.7% from the field and shot below 30% in eight appearances. The guard has long had the potential to lead the Wisconsin team, but has struggled to fully step into the role.
If Klemsit is more consistent in shooting the basketball and avoids low IQ shots, the guard can certainly become the leading scorer for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Option No. 2 for Wisconsin basketball’s scoring leader: Guard John Blackwell
Talented defenseman John Blackwell will likely get a chance to play for the Wisconsin Badgers this season. Blackwell was one of the Badgers’ leading scorers last season, scoring eight points per game. Blackwell was inconsistent offensively, as he had been during his playing time, but the guard had five appearances in which he scored 15 or more points.
Playing in a starting position, surrounded by an offensive presence and a penchant for moving the basketball, Blackwell could be one of the team’s best shooting options this season. The guard can shoot from the outside or drive towards the basket for an precise float. The only truly untested area of his game is the mid-range shot, as Blackwell primarily shoots from distance.
Wisconsin Basketball’s No. 3 scoring leader’s option: Center Steven Crowl
Steven Crowl, the starting center for the Wisconsin basketball team, likely won’t lead the team in scoring. However, what Crowl will have this season and what will play in his favor is a plethora of playmakers. Between Daniel Freitag, Camren Hunter, Kamari McGee, Max Klesmit and John Blackwell, there are plenty of players ready to pass the ball to the substantial man.
Crowl may receive more action this season due to some players on the Wisconsin basketball team focusing on passing and playmaking.
Option No. 4 for Wisconsin basketball’s scoring leader: forward Xavier Amos
Xavier Amos is by far the most successful transfer to come through the Wisconsin basketball program. Last season, Amos scored 13.8 points per game on 49.6% from the field, with most of his offense focused on shots towards the basket.
According to Garda’s trainer, Amos has gained another “about 20 pounds” and may be able to be more successful in cutting due to his additional size. The forward also has an underrated three-point shot that can be deadly when Amos is in the attacking zone. Amos also prefers to shoot from the right side of the court, and most of his looks come from that side, which Wisconsin’s staff may try to plan for.
Option No. 5 for Wisconsin basketball’s scoring leader: forward Nolan Winter
Winter is probably one of the bigger obscure horses leading the team in scoring, but if he’s made as much progress as Coach Gard claims, it’s not a far cry. Winter is initially a substantial, physical player, but the Wisconsin basketball team lacked some strength last season. With both a heavier workload and improved conditioning, the striker can become a transformative player on the offensive side of the ball.
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