The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders 85-61 to end the 2024 basketball season.
During victory Wisconsin Badgers they looked abrasive at the gate after allowing the Crusaders to get a massive lead. However, the team looked significantly different in the second half, scoring 50 points and effectively putting the game out of reach for the Crusaders.
While the Badgers performed well in the second half to secure the much-needed victory, Wisconsin still left the game with several questions.
Wisconsin Badgers post-game question No. 1: Can John Tonje still lead the offense?
One of the players that many analysts and coaches were afraid of entering this season was quarterback John Tonje. The defenseman played in eight games for Missouri last season before suffering a season-ending lower-body injury. Tonje entered the portal as a question mark, with many believing the guard might never return to the same explosiveness.
Tonje, however, has proven otherwise and doesn’t look like a player who has spent almost a year away from professional basketball. Tonje knocked down three three-pointers and scored 23 points against the Crusaders in his official return to college basketball.
Remembering his performance at Tonje, many fans wondered whether the defender would be able to continue playing at the same level in attack. While everyone is human and prone to crises, Tonje performed relatively similarly to Colorado State two seasons ago when the defense was significantly outnumbered. Tonje has scored in single digits just seven times in 33 games in 2022-23.
Wisconsin Badgers Question #2: Is Nolan Winter the guy the team needs?
Winter was arguably the Wisconsin Badgers’ best performer, scoring 15 points and shooting brilliantly from the floor. The forward also added four rebounds, two assists and one block, but was overshadowed by John Tonje’s offensive play.
While Winter may not have received the praise he should have received, the striker also provided a style of play that the team could really apply. Coach Greg Gard is adamant about shooting more three-pointers this season, but that doesn’t mean the team will give up on the game. Winter looked intelligent and composed while shooting to the basket, while also showing he can make plays with his back to the basket.
There are many different ways for the forward to continue to develop his game, which bodes well for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Wisconsin Badgers Question #3: What can Camren Hunter add to the team?
Wisconsin’s victory over the Holy Cross Crusaders provided a look at every Badger player except one. Guard Camren Hunter was part of the Wisconsin Badgers’ showcase, but missed the regular-season opener with an injury. Hunter is sidelined from official competition for almost a year after suffering an injury last year, but he could provide something Wisconsin needs.
Kamari McGee is an excellent defender and a player who really plays with heart, but 28 minutes per game doesn’t seem like enough for a defender. However, McGee is a career 25.6% three-point shooter, but he makes up for his shooting accuracy with a leader’s presence on the court. Hunter offers the same traits, but also has a more noticeable inside game compared to McGee.
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