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	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2013	PF	6'7"	210 lb.
	School		AAU
	Toledo (OH) Whitmer HS		All-Ohio Red

Rankings

Rivals: (PF)
Scout: (PF)
ESPN: 91 (#35 PF)
24/7: NR PF
Triple Double Prospects: #2 PF in Ohio

Previous Rankings: N/A

Honors

2012 Second Team All-State
2012 First Team All-Area (Toledo Blade)
2012 First Team All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference
2011 Second Team All-State

Statistics

2011-12: 14.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.5 bpg - Junior (Whitmer)

Undecided on College Choice

Nigel Hayes is the younger brother of an Ohio State football commit who has been tearing up the basketball court so far this spring. Toledo is typically a Buckeye stronghold when it comes to big-time recruits, but Wisconsin has upped the ante in May, following in the footsteps of early offers from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Xavier.

Recent Press

2012
05.15: Hayes Keeps Churning for All-Ohio (24/7 Sports)
05.12: Spiece Bill Hensley Memorial Run-N-Slam Player Evaluations (NBE Basketball Report)
05.06: Bates-Diop impresses at Run-N-Slam (Rivals)
02.18: Whitmer turns up intensity to topple Central (Toledo Blade)

2011
08.02: Notebook: Nigel Hayes emerging from the shadows (CBS Sports)
05.25: Q & A: 2013 Toldeo (OH) Whitmer - Nigel Hayes (The Hoops Window)
05.23: All-Ohio Super Sixteen Showcase recap (ESPN)

Audio / Video

Highlights: Whitmer falls just short of state title - YouTube (03.25.12)
Highlights: Nigel A. Hayes Dunk Highlights 2010-2011 - YouTube (05.29.11)

Additional Info

2012-13 Schedule | Toledo Blade

Go to Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Hub >>
Go to Scholarship Grid & Depth Chart >>

Recruiting Timeline - Calendar format

** - denotes walk-on

Recruiting timeline - Linear format

2012

April 11: Uthoff released

2011

September 24: Bronson Koenig (Class of 2013) - y
August 16: walk-on Zak Showalter (2012)**
May 9: walk-on transfer Zach Bohannon (2010)**
May 5: walk-on Jordan Smith (2011)**

2010

July 19: Jarrod Uthoff (2011) - y
June 15: Sam Dekker (2012) - #31/?
June 12: Frank Kaminsky (2011)
June 12: Traevon Jackson (2011)
May 7: Ben Brust (2010)
April 27: Hodges decommits
April 6: Markolf quits
January 19: George Marshall (2011)

2009

November 10: Duje Dukan (2010)
September 24: Josh Gasser (2010)
September 16: Taylor & Glover dismissed
May 19: Blue decommits
May 14: walk-on Jeremy Glover (2009)**
January 4: Devon Hodges (2011)

2008

May 3: Evan Anderson (2010) - #88/#95
April 28: Vander Blue (2010) - #53/#48
April 7: Ryan Evans (2008)
March 6: Diamond Taylor (2009) - y
February 20: Mike Bruesewitz (2009) - y

2007

July 17: Ian Markolf (2008)
April 30: Rob Wilson (2008)
January 8: Jared Berggren (2008) - /#100

2006

December 22: Perry released
November 6: Jordan Taylor (2008) - y
September 15: Jon Leuer (2007) - /#86
August 17: Keaton Nankivil (2007) - #79/
June 30: Tim Jarmusz (2007)
January 6: DeAaron Williams quits

2005

Aug. 1: Trevon Hughes (2006) - #57/#88
May 10: Jason Bohannon (2006) - /#62
January 6: Boo Wade quits

2004

August 17: Marcus Landry (2005)
August 2: J.P. Gavinski (2006) - #69/
June 13: Phillip "Mickey" Perry (2005)
May 5: Devin Harris declares
January 22: Joe Krabbenhoft (2005) - #33/#28

Rankings: y=Final Rivals150, #/# = Initial/Final RSCI rank

The offseason does not lend itself to many basketball stories besides occasional recruiting tidbits. Maybe the most frustrating part of the process is that the courting of teenagers routinely makes no sense whatsoever.

Considering the absurd drama of the Jarrod Uthoff saga and the recently concluded Sheldon Jeter recruitment, Wisconsin hoops fans are eager for some good news on the recruiting front. Unfortunately I don't have any right now.

What I can offer is a touch of perspective. I went back over eight years and researched exactly when Badger recruits committed to the program as well as each time there was an unexpected departure. The result is a fairly comprehensive recruiting timeline. Even though the odds favor a slow summer, let's just say the early fall has been generous to the Badgers when it comes to recruiting gems.

Continue reading this post »

Depending on how you look at it, the Wisconsin-Virginia game announced Monday as a part of the 14th annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge will either be a dream or a nightmare.

For those who admire and respect what the Bennett family means to Wisconsin basketball, the coaching storyline makes the Nov. 28 tilt in Madison must-see television. To ESPN, the driver of the event, it probably gives an excuse to bury two slow-paced teams with one swoop.

Wisconsin ranked dead last in the country last season in adjusted tempo, averaging 58.5 possessions per contest. Virginia, coached by former UW assistant Tony Bennett, ranked 338th out of 345 teams (60.6). Yet the two schools combined to go 48-20, so the quality of basketball should not be in question.

Continue reading this post »

The University of Wisconsin released its first statement on the Jarrod Uthoff transfer case this afternoon in an attempt to clear the air on an issue that has ballooned into a national debate over student-athletes and coaches rights.

According to the statement, Uthoff requested permission to contact 16 schools. The university denied four of those requests. This information is a direct contradiction to earlier reports from Iowa media that up to 26 schools were blocked.

The redshirt freshman forward used the appeals process to challenge three of those contact restrictions, meeting with Associate Athletic Director Justin Doherty and Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez on Thursday morning. Subsequently, the administrators met separately with head coach Bo Ryan, at which point they "lifted 'permission to contact' restrictions on ANY school outside of the Big Ten Conference."

"Ryan is supportive of denials of Big Ten institutions only and has wanted the appeals process to serve as a means for dialogue to occur between Uthoff and UW Athletics administration."

Continue reading this post »

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	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2012	C	7'0"	230 lb.
	School		AAU
	Sioux City (IA) East HS		All-Iowa Attack / Martin Brothers Select

Rankings

Rivals: (#11 C / #50 overall)
Scout: (#14 C / #47 overall)
ESPN: 95 (#8 C / #41 overall)
24/7: 97 (#11 C / #43 overall)
IAHoops: #3 player in Iowa (2012)

Previous Rankings: 4 stars (#8 C/#42 overall > #10/#50 > #17/#99) > 3 stars (#18/#105) by Rivals; 4 stars (#13/#44 > #16 C/#65 overall) > 3 stars (#19 C) by Scout; 94 (#14 C > #12 C/#57 overall) by ESPN; 4 stars/97 (#27 overall) by 24/7

Honors

2011 NBPA Top 100 Camp MVP
2011 First Team All-State - Class 4A (INA)
2011 First Team All-Missouri River Activities Conference
2010 First Team All-State - Class 4A (INA)

Statistics

2011: 9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 44% FG in 21 mpg | AAU (AIA) - Peach Jam 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
2010-11: 18.7 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.7 apg | Junior (East) - MaxPreps
2009-10: 17.4 ppg, 10 rpg, 55% FT | Sophomore (East)
2008-09: Freshman (East)

Undecided on College Choice

Iowa and Minnesota have been after Woodbury the longest. Despite monitoring the mammoth center for a while, Wisconsin did not offer Woodbury a scholarship until the blue bloods came calling on him following the NBPA Top 100 Camp performance. Prior to the camp, Woodbury had already started to turn heads during the AAU season, stating his favorites to be Ohio State, Kansas, North Carolina (though the latter two had not yet offered), Iowa and Minnesota. Duke, Texas and Florida are sniffing around as well. Woodbury has seven offers from the Big Ten to go along with the recent offer from UNC.

Recent Press

2011
08.10: ESPNU 100 superlatives (ESPN)
08.08: Q&A with Adam Woodbury: Iowa is 'definitely in the mix' (Cedar Rapids Gazette)
07.13: Adam Woodbury Q&A: 2012 Sioux City (IA) East HS (TheHoopsWindow.com)
06.29: Stock is on the rise for Adam Woodbury (CBS Sports)
06.22: East's Woodbury named MVP at Top 100 camp (Sioux City Journal)
06.20: Woodbury hopes to make college decision soon (HawkCentral.com)
06.18: Grizzlies take NBPA Top 100 Camp title (ESPN RISE)
06.17: NBPA Top 100 Camp Day 2 recap (ESPN)
05.16: Spiece World 2011: Top Seniors (SLAM)
05.09: Iowa Attack is golden again (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
05.09: Spiece Run 'N Slam recap (ESPN)
04.07: Recruiting update on Woodbury and Gesell (HawkCentral.com)
03.09: Raiders falter against Ankeny (Sioux City Journal)
02.12: Oglesby tops Woodbury as McCaffery watches (HawkCentral.com)
01.31: Iowa 7-1 Center Adam Woodbury To Receive Gopher Visit (GopherHole.com)
01.30: Spotlight sits on Siouxland (Omaha World-Herald)
01.22: East wins despite free throw struggles (Sioux City Journal)
01.20: East & Heelan prepare for Friday's rematch (KITV.com)

2010
12.15: East's Woodbury named Sports Fource Champion (KITV.com)
12.14: Woodbury leads East (Omaha World-Herald)
10.10: Woodbury still considering the Hawks (HawkCentral.com)
07.19: Woodbury Looking For Right Fit (IrishSportsDaily.com)

Audio / Video

Highlights: Adam Woodbury Highlights from 2011 LeBron James Skills Academy (08.03.11)
Interview: ZAGSBLOG - Adam Woodbury Talks Recruiting at LeBron Camp - YouTube (07.08.11)
Interview: Next Level Connect: Q&A Adam Woodbury - YouTube (06.27.11)
Highlights: All Iowa Attack - EYBL 2011 LA - MaxPreps (06.14.11)
Interview: Adam Woodbury - iHigh (05.30.11)
News Feature: 7-foot-1, 6-foot 11 high school basketball players - CBS News (03.10.11)
Highlights: 2012 center Adam Woodbury at the KC Classic in Shawnee, KS - The Shiver (05.23.10)

Additional Info

2010-11 Schedule | Sioux City Journal

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Rankings

Rivals: (#11 SF / #45 overall)
Scout: (#16 SF / #75 overall)
ESPN: 95 (#5 SF / #37 overall)
24/7: 95 (#46 overall)
Wishoops: (#1 player in 2012)

Previous Rankings: 4 stars (#12 SF/#55 overall) > 5 stars > 4 stars (#10/#32 > #8/#40) by Rivals; 4 stars (#19/#87 > #7/#45) > 5 stars (#1 SF/#4 overall) > 4 stars (#7/#26 > #9/#35 > #42 overall) by Scout; 97 (#5 SF/#16 overall) > 96 (#3/#10) > 97 (#8/#23) > 96 (#8/#35 > #5/#32 > #4 SF) by ESPN

Honors

2012 First Team All-State (AP)
2012 First Team All-State - Div. 1 (WBCA)
2011 First Team All-State (AP)
2011 First Team All-State - Div. 1 (WBCA)
2011 Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year
2011 First Team All-Greater Metro Conference
2011 First Team All-Area (Journal-Sentinel)
2010 Second Team All-State (AP)
2010 First Team All-State - Div. 1 (WBCA)
2010 First Team All-Area (Journal-Sentinel)
2009 First Team All-Suburban (CNI/NOW)
2009 First Team All-Greater Metro Conference

Statistics

2010-11: 21.2 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 3.2 spg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 bpg | Junior (Falls) | Game Log - Journal-Sentinel / Wishoops.net
2009-10: Sophomore (Falls) | Game Log - Journal-Sentinel / Wishoops.net
2008-09: Freshman (Falls) | Game Log - Journal Sentinel / Wishoops.net

Verbally Committed on March 3, 2011

J.P. Tokoto to attend North Carolina (Wisconsin State Journal)
UNC Lands 2012 Swingman J.P. Tokoto (ACC Sports Journal)
Falls' Tokoto will take talents to North Carolina (Journal-Sentinel)
Carolina It Is For Tokoto (Scout.com)

Tokoto whittled his final list down to eight schools: Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, North Carolina, UCLA and Wisconsin. He held additional offers from Arizona, Michigan State, Minnesota, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas and others.

Previously, Tokoto had planned to decide at the start of the summer, according to his AAU coach Ritchie Davis. Before trimming his list, Tokoto had said Wisconsin, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and UCLA were his top five schools "unofficially." He planned to visit both UNC and Duke between Feb. 18-20. However, a rash of Duke commitments apparently closed the door on Tokoto becoming a Blue Devil. He then moved up his decision date after returning from Chapel Hill.

Recent Press

2011
03.05: Waukesha South sneaks past Menomonee Falls (Journal-Sentinel)
02.28: Tokoto will announce college decision on Thursday (Fox Sports Wisconsin)
02.28: Tokoto to announce choice of college Thursday, could transfer for senior year (Menomonee Falls Patch)
02.28: Tokoto to announce March 4 (ZagsBlog)
02.14: UW in final 8 for Falls' junior Tokoto (Journal-Sentinel)
02.04: Tokoto takes charge for Indians (Menomonee Falls Patch)
02.03: J.P. Tokoto on possibility of Marquette, getting advice from John Wall (FS Wisconsin)
01.29: Stout defense leads to decisive victory for Falls boys (Menomonee Falls Patch)
01.26: Tokoto rumors anger coach (Madison.com)
01.23: Menomonee Falls' Tokoto is hot in loss (Journal-Sentinel)
01.23: Autin Rivers and JP Tokoto: Overrated or the Real Deal? (Bleacher Report)
01.22: UA Brandon Jennings Invitational recap (ESPN)
01.22: Brandon Jennings Invitational (SLAM)
01.04: Tokoto, Falls emulate grace under pressure (MyCommunityNOW.com)

2010
11.15: The courting of J.P. Tokoto (Journal-Sentinel)
11.14: Investing in his future (Journal-Sentinel)
06.19: Scoreless recruit hopes ratings don't plummet (Lexington Herald-Leader)
05.30: Three things we learned at the Bob Gibbons tournament (Fayetteville Observer)
04.21: Tokoto auditions at open gym before the elite of NCAA coaches (MenomoneeFallsNOW.com)
04.21: Tokoto Holds Open Gym (MarquetteHoops.com)
04.18: College decision can wait for sophomore star Jean-Pierre Tokoto (Louisville Courier-Journal)
03.30: Tokoto's humility, hard work earn him NOW Player of the Year (MenomoneeFallsNOW.com)
03.11: J.P. Tokoto weighs new offers (HighSchoolHoop.com)
01.31: High school hoops superstar Tokoto is the one that got away (Rockford Register Star)

2009
12.21: Tokoto's traveling show rolls on its merry way (MenomoneeFallsNOW.com)
11.27: Star on the rise (Journal-Sentinel)
09.22: Hall of Fame coach makes a surprise visit (MyCommunityNOW.com)
08.27: 2012's Tokoto Ready for a Busy Fall (TheShiver.com)
06.21: They say the kid can play (Wisconsin State Journal)
06.08: 2012 Prospect Receives Kansas Offer (TheShiver.com)
04.22: Wisconsin extends a scholarship offer to J.P. Tokoto (Wishoops.net)
03.31: Vet, newcomer powered Falls (MyCommunityNOW.com)
03.12: Indians beat North, to meet Germantown for state berth (MenomoneeFallsNOW.com)
01.09: Lomomba, Tokoto sit on top of initial class of 2012 player rankings (Wishoops.net)

2008
11.28: 10 Faces of the Future (SLAM)
11.19: Breakfast of Champions League (NY2LA Sports)
01.29: Fresh stuff! (Midwest Future Hoops Report)

Audio / Video

News Feature: J.P. Tokoto UNC Announcement - YouTube (03.22.11)
Highlights: 1st Annual Brandon Jennings Invitational Recap Mix - blip.tv (01.23.11)
Highlights: J.P. Tokoto - Class of 2012 - Milwaukee Baller Mix - YouTube (01.23.11)
Game: Bowman Academy 67, Menomonee Falls 65 (12.28.10)
Highlights: JP Tokoto has The BOUNCE - YouTube (11.18.10)
Interview: J.P. Tokoto Interview - Wishoops.net (08.07.10)
Game: Wisconsin Playground vs. East Troy 16U - Wishoops.net (07.30.10)
Highlights: J.P. Tokoto - Hardwood Elite - YouTube (07.31.10)
News Feature: J.P. Tokoto's Recruiting War - WKOW (05.12.10)
Highlights: JP Tokoto Class of 2012 Dominates Spiece Classic - YouTube (05.10.10)
News Feature: Super Sophomore J.P. Tokoto - WTMJ (02.21.10)
Game: Menomonee Falls 88, Germantown 69 - Falls Cable Access (12.19.09)
Interview: J.P. Tokoto Interview - Wishoops.net (08.07.09)
Interview: Sports32's JP Tokoto Feature - YouTube (07.10.09)
Highlights: Basketball phenom dunks over stepdad - The Capital Times (06.19.09)
Game: Wisconsin State AAU 15U Championship - Wishoops.net (05.10.09)
Game: Menomonee Falls 59, Oshkosh North 56 - Wishoops.net (12.26.08)

Additional Info

2010-11 Schedule | 2009-10 | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel | Menomonee Falls NOW

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	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2012	SG	6'3"	170 lb.
	School		AAU
	Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence North HS		Indiana Elite / Spiece Select

Rankings

Rivals: (SG)
Scout: (SG)
ESPN: 85 (#90 SG)
24/7: 82 (SG)
IndyHSHoops: #10 player in 2012

Previous Rankings: NR by Rivals; 3 stars (#29 SG) > 2 stars by Scout; 88 (#49 SG) > 83 (#91 SG) by ESPN

Honors

None

Statistics

2010-11: 14 ppg | Junior (LN)

Undecided on College Choice

One of the fastest-rising prospects in the midwest, Harris picked up his first BCS-level offer from Wisconsin during the first July evaluation period. He was already thought to be a heavy Badger lean when UW came sniffing around. Harris also holds offer from Buffalo, Dayton, Kent State and Evansville in addition to rising interest from New Mexico and Xavier. He listed Wisconsin and Dayton as his top two choices all along, with the slight edge to the Badgers. Harris was scheduled to visit Madison on Aug. 31, but recently revealed that Wisconsin no longer has a scholarship for him.

Recent Press

2011
07.26: Keefer ready to turn the page at Lawrence North (Indy Star)
07.24: adidas Super 64 - Wrap Up 2 (TheHoopsWindow.com)
07.22: LN's Harris draws more interest from recruiters (Indy Star)
07.12: Eron Harris Gaining Steam (CollegiateHoops.net)
07.11: Adidas Invitational recap (ESPN)
07.10: Eron Harris Shines at Adidas Invitational (HeardThisBlog.com)
07.10: Adidas Invitational wrap-up (Indy Star)
07.10: Indy Elite guard gaining interest (Louisville Courier-Journal)
07.08: New interest from high majors for 2012 guard (Indy Star)
07.07: Day 1 recap: Adidas Invitational (Indy Star)
04.13: Lawrence North junior guard playing with aggressive mentality (Indy Star)
04.10: Indyball.com Shootout Saturday Recap (Indy HS Hoops)

2010
09.28: 2012 Guard Eron Harris Recruitment Picking Up Steam (CollegiateHoops.net)

Audio / Video

Highlights: Eron Harris Summer Highlight Mixtape - YouTube (09.06.11)
Highlights: 2011 Adidas Invitational: Eron Harris Highlights - YouTube (07.10.11)
Highlights: Eron Harris is Underrated (Nice Highlights) - Vimeo (05.16.11)
Highlights: Eron Harris Highlight Mixtape - YouTube (04.29.11)
Highlights: Eron Harris Junior Season Highlights 2010-2011 - YouTube (03.30.11)

Additional Info

2010-11 Schedule | Indianapolis Star / Recruiting Central blog

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	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2012	SF	6'8"	210 lb.
	School		AAU
	Sheboygan (WI) Lutheran HS		Wisconsin Playground Warriors

Rankings

Rivals: (#3 SF / #13 overall)
Scout: (#4 SF / #15 overall)
ESPN: 97 (#4 SF / #17 overall)
24/7: 99 (#4 SF / #15 overall)
Wishoops: (#1 player in 2012)

Previous Rankings: 5 stars (#5 SF/#18 overall) > 4 stars (#7/#35 > #21/#82) > 3 stars (#31/#133) > #32 SF by Rivals; 4 stars (#8/#30 > #6/#35 > #9/#42 > #19 SF/#79 overall) > 3 stars (#24 SF) by Scout; 88 (#35 > #38 > #40 SF) > 89 (#32 SF) > 95 (#8/#45) > 96 (#7/#26 > #5 SF/#24 overall) by ESPN; 93 (#67 overall) > 95 (#49 overall) > 96 (#41 > #8/#43) > 98 (#8 SF/#30 overall) by 24/7; #3 > #2 player in Wisconsin by Wishoops

Honors

2012 Fourth Team All-American (ESPN)
2012 Mr. Basketball (WBCA)
2012 Wisconsin Player of the Year (AP)
2012 First Team All-State (AP)
2012 First Team All-State - Div. 5 (WBCA)
2011 Second Team All-State (AP)
2011 First Team All-State - Div. 5 (WBCA)
2011 First Team All-Area (Sheboygan Press)
2011 First Team All-Central Lakeshore Conference
2010 Honorable Mention All-State - Div. 3 (WBCA)
2010 Honorable Mention All-State (AP)
2010 First Team All-Central Lakeshore Conference
2009 Second Team All-Central Lakeshore Conference

Statistics

2011-12: 32.1 ppg | Senior (Lutheran) - Wishoops.net
Summer 2011: 9.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.8 apg | Day 1 / 2 / 3 ~ 9.6 ppg | (NBPA Top 100 Camp)
2010-11: 28.9 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 4 apg, 2.4 spg, 1.9 bpg | Junior (Lutheran) - Wishoops.net
2009-10: 26.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.9 spg, 0.9 bpg | Sophomore (Lutheran) - Wishoops.net
2008-09: 14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 spg | Freshman (Lutheran) - Wishoops.net

Signed National Letter of Intent

Signed on November 9, 2011
Wisconsin adds Sam Dekker for Class of 2012 (UWBadgers.com)
Dekker makes it official (Wisconsin State Journal)

Verbally committed on June 15, 2010
Dekker only needs a day to accept Badgers' offer (Wisconsin State Journal)
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sam Dekker commits to Wisconsin (Sheboygan Press)
Dekker gives UW men's hoops oral commitment for 2012 (Journal-Sentinel)
Sheboygan Lutheran's Dekker verbally commits to Wisconsin (Wishoops.net)

Recent Press

2012
05.18: Top 10 Thursday: Instant impact freshmen (ESPN)
04.05: Derby Classic Practices: Day 1 (SLAM)
04.02: Calhoun, Robinson highlight second annual AAC (Rivals)
03.17: Badgers recruit Dekker nails shot for the ages (Wisconsin State Journal)
03.16: Dekker powers Sheboygan Lutheran into Div. 5 title game (Wisconsin State Journal)
03.16: WBCA Names Sam Dekker Mr. Basketball (Wishoops.net)
02.22: Dekker's 58-point spree moves him to No. 8 on state's scoring list (Wisconsin State Journal)
02.13: Dekker's omission from McDonald's roster a super-sized letdown for Badgers (Wisconsin State Journal)
02.07: Dekker nearing state's best all-time (Sheboygan Press)

2011
11.29: Oostburg edges Lutheran in OT, 94-89 (Sheboygan Press)
11.23: Watching a future Badger (Twin Cities Boys Hoops)
08.10: ESPNU 100 superlatives (ESPN)
07.23: Las Vegas Day 1 recap (ESPN)
07.11: Adidas Invitational recap (ESPN)
07.11: Concluding the adidas Invitational (Hardwood Elite)
07.08: Dekker, Koenig attracting lots of attention (Wisconsin State Journal)
07.08: Another great day for Dekker (Rivals)
07.07: Thomas stands out at Indy (Rivals)
06.17: NBAPA Top 100 Camp Day 2 recap (ESPN)
06.16: Reps on rise at NBPA Camp (Rivals)
05.16: Hoopin' in the Heartland (Five-Star Basketball)
05.08: Spiece: Day Two, Part A (Scout)
04.30: McGary shines at Jayhawk Invite (Rivals)
04.18: Milwaukee Madness: Top Seniors (SLAM)
03.22: Dekker AP All State 2nd Team (Sheboygan Press)
02.18: Dekker joins select contingent (Sheboygan Press)

2010
12.30: Dekker scores 52 in Lutheran loss (Sheboygan Press)
12.10: Sam Dekker has 27 points and 20 rebounds as Sheboygan Lutheran holds off Howards Grove (Sheboygan Press)
12.01: Sheboygan Lutheran's Dekker scores career-high 39 in surpassing 1,000 points (Wishoops.net)
11.24: Sam Dekker scores 36 as Sheboygan Lutheran opens with a big win (Sheboygan Press)
07.22: Las Vegas Day 1: Underdogs and unknowns shine at Fab48 (MaxPreps)
06.14: Sheboygan Lutheran's Dekker earns scholarship offer from Wisconsin (Wishoops.net)
05.17: Observations from the Hugh Roberts Classic (Wishoops.net)
05.03: Observations from the Spiece Run-n-Slam (Wishoops.net)
03.05: Oostburg downs Sheb. Area Lutheran, 71-38 (Preps On The Net)
02.17: Dekker having breakout season for upstart Sheboygan Lutheran (Wishoops.net)

Audio / Video

Interview: Sam Dekker on The Badger Hour - 100.5 FM ESPN Madison (03.19.12)
Highlights/Interview: Dekker takes over, leads Sheboygan Lutheran to state title - Madison.com (03.17.12)
News Feature: State's Biggest Player at One of State's Smallest High Schools - WBAY (02.29.12)
News Feature: Sheboygan Lutheran basketball player shines on, off court - FOX 6 (02.12.12)
Highlights: Sam Dekker Highlights 2012 - YouTube (02.04.12)
Highlights: Sam Dekker - WBY Shootout Highlight Mix - YouTube (12.27.11)
News Feature: Future Badger Dekker Looking Forward to Senior Season - WFRV HS Sports Xtra (12.03.11)
Highlights: Sam Dekker Wisconsin Verbal - YouTube (03.29.11)
Highlights: UW-Madison bound Sam Dekker - Milwaukee Baller Mix - YouTube (02.02.11)
Game: Sheboygan Lutheran 73, Lake Country Christian 53 - Vimeo (12.29.10)
Interview: Sam Dekker Interview - Wishoops.net (08.07.10)
AAU: Wisconsin Playground vs. East Troy 16U - Wishoops.net (07.30.10)
Highlights: Playground Warriors vs. Wisconsin Blaze 16U - Wishoops.net (05.15.10)
Game: Oostburg 71, Sheboygan Area Lutheran 38 - Preps On The Net (03.15.10)

Additional Info

2011-12 Schedule | 2010-11 | 2009-10 | Sheboygan Press

Twitter: @samdek1

The post-tournament lull did not last very long as it pertains to the Wisconsin men's basketball team. Between recruiting updates, a developing roster shakeup and several former Wisconsin players in the professional spotlight, there was no shortage of Badger-related news last week.

1. The Curious Case of Jarrod Uthoff

"It was strictly a basketball decision," Uthoff told the Wisconsin State Journal, explaining that he had thought about transferring for months. Even though we finally know a little more about Jarrod Uthoff's reasons after hearing directly from him, we might understand the situation even less.

What we do know is that UW did not place widespread restrictions on Uthoff's destination, as once feared, though the inclusion of Iowa State has ruffled some feathers. (UPDATE: The entire ACC has reportedly been added to the no contact list after Virginia's Tony Bennett inquired about Uthoff.) Restricting in-state rival Marquette is standard procedure (MU does the same with UW) and a Big Ten conference rule forbids a transfer on scholarship to another member school.

Continue reading this post »

Even before the news broke that Jarrod Uthoff would leave the program, Wisconsin had already increased its attention on a certain 6'8" forward in the 2012 class. Though the two events have zero connection, Beaver Falls' Sheldon Jeter is someone who could become very important to Wisconsin in the coming days as the coaching staff tries to add Jeter to its next recruiting class.

With the latest signing period spanning from April 11 through May 16, college coaches are applying all the tools at their disposal to convince high school recruits to join their program. For late risers like Jeter, the trick is to not rush a major decision -- which is probably easier said than done. When Bo Ryan himself is phoning and making in-home visits (scheduled for Sunday reportedly), you know Wisconsin is trying to close on a player.

Bo is primarily up against Penn State and South Carolina in this battle, though others like Florida State may still be involved. Grumblings from a Penn State message board suggest that Jeter's father Carliss is now playing a major role in guiding the son's selection process. The elder Jeter has been vocal about his affiinity for both Bo Ryan and new Gamecock head coach Frank Martin, who began recruiting Jeter while at Kansas State.

Continue reading this post »

In a shocking development, Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirmed Thursday night the rumor that heated up quickly during the afternoon: 6'8" redshirt freshman Jarrod Uthoff will transfer out of the Wisconsin men's basketball program.

One of Potrykus' sources indicated the move "came as a surprise" to the UW coaching staff and players. Uthoff's AAU coach Jamie Johnson told Jim Polzin the same thing. Yet Wisconsin honored his request to be released. The nature of Uthoff's move implies it was not the reason behind Wisconsin's renewed interest in recruiting 2012 forward Sheldon Jeter out of the Pittsburgh area.

The 2011 Mr. Basketball winner from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, nearly entered the team's season opener against Kennesaw State this past season, which would have prevented him from taking a redshirt season to bulk up. As late as February, Uthoff maintained he had no regrets and was enjoying Madison.

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<< back to Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Hub

	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2012	SF	6'7"	210 lb.
	School		AAU
	Beaver Falls (PA) HS		King James Shooting Stars

Rankings

Rivals: (#34 SF / #150 overall)
Scout: (SF)
ESPN: 87 (#70 SF)
24/7: 86 (SF)

Previous Rankings: #62 SF by ESPN

Honors

2012 First Team All-State - Class AA (AP)
2012 WPIAL Player of the Year (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Statistics

2011-12: 22.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 bpg | Senior (Beaver Falls)
2010-11: 23.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg | Junior (Beaver Falls)
2009-10: 19.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.4 spg, 2.4 bpg | Sophomore (Beaver Falls) - NSCA Recruiting

Verbally Committed on May 3, 2012

Beaver Falls hoops star Jeter picks Vanderbilt (Beaver County Times)
Beaver Falls Jeter chooses Vanderbilt (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Badgers lose out on Jeter (Wisconsin State Journal)

After a flurry of last-second in-home visits (with Bo Ryan and assistant coach Lamont Paris, as well as Vanderbilt's Kevin Stallings among them), Jeter scheduled a final campus visit with Penn State for Thursday, April 26 and secheduled his college choice a week later on May 3.

Wisconsin had its eye on Jeter this summer, but only with the late official offer from January 7 did the Badgers make a move on adding another player in 2012. Jeter has great length in addition to guard skill, although many of his points come off slam dunks. Jeter is a cousin of former Nebraska guard Lance Jeter, and the younger Jeter has aspirations of becoming a lawyer.

Paris was expected to go head-to-head again with Penn State for Jeter's services, after the senior announced both schools were in his Top 3. He has already taken a visit to Penn State and hopes to visit Madison by the end of the month. But rumors persisted that Wisconsin had lifted its foot off the gas in pursuit of Jeter. Since then, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Florida State have stepped in with high major offers. He enjoyed his recent visit to SC, which is now led by Frank Martin. Pittsburgh also tried to get involved, though Jeter tweeted that it was basically too little, too late from the Panthers.

Recent Press

2012
05.03: Decision Day for Jeter (Badgers247)
04.10: Jeter moving closer to decision (Palmetto Sports)
04.10: Top Unsigned Seniors (24/7 Sports)
04.08: Terrific 10: Shooting stars led teams to championships (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
04.06: Martin sits down with Jeter and family (Palmetto Sports)
04.04: Pitt trying to recruit Jeter again (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
03.28: Why would Jeter pick Penn State? Why not? (Beaver County Times)
03.24: Recruits Jeter and Austin Shine in PIAA Championships (StateCollege.com)
03.13: Township meets talent-laden Beaver Falls (Tribune-Democrat)
03.09: Beaver Falls' Jeter handles traveling call (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
02.19: Jeter has USC high up on his list after visit (Spartanburg Herald-Journal)
01.28: Pittsburgh-Area Star Sheldon Jeter Has Nittany Lions In His Sights (StateCollege.com)
01.10: The Court Report: Would Jeter Work at Wiscy? (CBSPittsburgh.com)
01.06: Unique obstacles for Beaver Falls boys basketball team (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
01.03: Beaver Falls boys basketball team learned from its loss (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

2011
12.27: Jeter, Beaver Falls handle Lincoln Park (Beaver County Times)
04.28: 2012 Recruiting Update: Sheldon Jeter (Heard This Blog)
03.08: Beaver Falls has easy restart (Beaver County Times)
02.18: Inside the Program: Beaver Falls Boys' Basketball (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
01.03: Shoot, Dunk, Block Shots, Train & Dominate! (Daman's Strength Training)

Audio / Video

Interview: Fab 5 Player of the Year: Sheldon Jeter - Post-Gazette (04.08.12)
Highlights: Sheldon Jeter High School Basketball Demo - YouTube (02.01.12)
Highlights: Dunks, Three-Pointers, a Milestone and the Game-Winner - YouTube (01.01.12)
Highlights: Gateway vs Beaver Falls, Game of the Week - YouTube (02.21.11)
Highlights: Beaver Falls at Blackhawk, Game of the Week - YouTube (02.20.11)
Interview: The Grando Show - Sheldon Jeter Interview - YouTube (02.01.11)
Highlights: Sheldon Jeter, Sophomore Season Basketball Highlights - YouTube (02.23.10)
Highlights: Aliquippa at Beaver Falls, Game of the Week - YouTube (01.31.10)

Additional Info

2011-12 Schedule | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | Beaver County Times | Pittsburgh Basketball Report

Twitter: @ChildOfGod_34

At a time when college players are declaring their intent to enter this year's NBA Draft, I think back to one year ago. Jordan Taylor had just been named a second-team All-American after a supernova of a junior season. Likewise, Jared Sullinger was the hotshot freshman, possibly the top prospect in the country, deciding whether to turn pro. The two players' respective draft values were near their pinnacle.

Unlike Sullinger, Taylor didn't seem to give much thought to going pro last year even though some projected him as a possible later first-round pick. Ultimately both players returned to school. I think it's safe to say they each saw their stock take a hit when they couldn't quite live up to individual expectations.

While Sullinger will still end up a lottery selection, Taylor won't be joining him in the first round. Instead, Taylor will scrap and claw for the chance to be drafted at all. Taylor is one of 64 seniors invited to the 2012 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which begins Wednesday night in Virginia. While the odds aren't in his favor, this opportunity gives Taylor a chance to be "rediscovered" by professional scouts.

Continue reading this post »

<< back to Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Hub

	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2015	C / PF	6'9"	235 lb.
	School		AAU
	Whitefish Bay (WI) Dominican HS		Milwaukee Young Legends

Rankings

Rivals: NR (C)
Scout: NR (C)
ESPN: 95 (#2 C / #3 overall)
24/7: NR
Wishoops: (#1 player in 2015)

Previous Rankings: N/A

Honors

2012 Honorable Mention All-State (AP)
2012 Second Team All-Midwest Classic Conference - North
2011 WBY Shootout All-Tournament Team (Wishoops.net)

Statistics

2011-12: 13.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.1 bpg | Freshman (Dominican) - MaxPreps

Undecided on College Choice

This could be a heated in-state recruiting battle between Wisconsin and Marquette, jumpstarted in late April by offers from both schools. Unless of course the heavyweight players nationwide get involved. Stone has said that he intends to wait until his junior or senior season to decide on a college, but keep in mind that's just a freshman talking.

Recent Press

2012
03.17: 6-9 freshman is a gem for Wisconsin champions (MaxPreps)
03.15: Whitefish Bay Dominican, freshman Diamond Stone shine (Journal-Sentinel)
03.15: Vikings can't slow down Dominican (Eau Claire Leader-Telegram)
03.13: Dominican freshman Stone a rock-solid presence (Journal-Sentinel)

2011
12.30: Observations from the 2011 WBY Shootout (Wishoops.net)
05.20: John Lucas International Combine Report: Class of 2015 Top Performers Part 1 (BasketballSpotlight.com)

Audio / Video

Interview: Dominican's Diamond Stone - Madison.com (03.17.12)
Highlights: 6'10" Diamond Stone - Class of 2015 Top Center - YouTube (03.17.12)
Highlights: Diamond Stone - Vimeo (12.07.11)
Highlights: NY2LA Breakfast of Champions League - YouTube (10.16.11)
Highlights: Diamond Stone Basketball Highlights - John Lucas Camp - YouTube (09.04.11)

Additional Info

2012-13 Schedule | 2011-12 | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Twitter: @Diamond_Stone33

<< back to Wisconsin Basketball Recruiting Hub

	Class	Position	Height	Weight
	2014	PG	5'11"	175 lb.
	School		AAU
	Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick HS		Team Loaded

Rankings

Rivals: NR
Scout: NR
ESPN: NR
24/7: NR (PG)

Previous Rankings: NR

Honors

None

Statistics

2011-12: 5.5 ppg, 2.1 apg | Sophomore (St. Pat)
2010-11: N/A | Freshman (St. Pat)

Undecided on College Choice

It was a surprise move when Wisconsin showed interest this far east and this early for an under-the-radar prospect. The Badgers are the only high major program on Williams right now, but VCU has picked up its interest of late. Williams' statistics were very modest in limited minutes his second year at St. Patrick and now the swirling drama surrounds whether the renowned parochial school can even stay open for another year. If it does, Williams will get his turn to lead the storied program.

Recent Press

2011
07.23: Team Loaded Quadruplet is Loaded (The Recruit Scoop)
07.17: Loaded and Lodge dunk Team SCAN (Charleston Daily Mail)

2010
07.06: Jonathan Williams Headed To St. Patrick (BasketballSpotlight.com)

Audio / Video

Highlights: Jonathan Williams St Patrick Part II - YouTube (2.18.11)
Highlights: Jonathan Williams -- St Patrick Part I - YouTube (1.09.11)

Additional Info

2011-12 Schedule | The Star-Ledger

Badgers fall short on final possession in East Regional classic

Wisconsin had the opportunity it wanted with 15 seconds left, trailing top-seeded Syracuse by just one, 64-63. Everyone inside Boston's TD Garden knew the ball would wind up in Jordan Taylor's hands on the final possession.

Especially Syracuse.

The Orange (34-2) stepped out aggressively on Taylor early and disrupted No. 4 Wisconsin's final possession the same way they had numerous others through the game. When Taylor's heavily guarded 3-pointer barely glanced off the rim and out of Mike Bruesewitz's grasp, time expired on the season and a fantastic Badger career.

The Badgers (26-10) acquitted themselves well enough during a game many have already labeled the best of this year's tournament. Knowing they would get good looks from the outside against the zone, Wisconsin took advantage by hitting 14 of its 27 3-pointers (52%).

Syracuse did not flinch. The Orange countered by outscoring UW 30-10 in the paint to advance to the Elite Eight, denying Bo Ryan perhaps the biggest win of his Wisconsin career.

Continue reading this post »

NCAA Tournament Basketball No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Syracuse
	vs
26-9 (12-6 Big Ten)		33-2 (17-1 Big East)
March 22, 2012 6:15 PM CT TD Garden (18,624), Boston, MA
TV: CBS (Verne Lundquist, Bill Raftery) Radio: 1070 FM / 1310 AM (Matt Lepay, Mike Lucas)
All-time Series: Tied 1-1 Last meeting: Syracuse won 68-49 (11/13/99)

Zone, zone, zone. Wisconsin has seen zone defense several times this season -- whether it be a 1-3-1 look from Northwestern, or 2-3 stretches from BYU, Penn State, Illinois, Montana, or Vanderbilt. The results have been mixed, but tonight the Badgers face a Syracuse program that has nearly perfected the style.

There will be opportunities to exploit the Orange to be sure. Offensive rebounding is the main area. It will be interesting to see if Wisconsin crashes the boards more today or if they remain focused on stopping Syracuse in transition -- since the Orange fancy themselves as the best running team in the country, mostly off one of their 16.4 turnovers forced per game. Mike Bruesewitz can have a big game creating second chances. For what it's worth, I think Wisconsin will have 13 or fewer turnovers.

Offensively, Jordan Taylor must find Ryan Evans in the short corner pocket to stick some early jumpers. The free throw line will be open as well, so Jared Berggren has a great opportunity as well. He may need a few shot fakes in there. Draw some fouls big man!

Joining me today for a deep cut of pre-game grilling is Michael McAllister of Syracuse hoops website Nation of Orange.

Everyone knows by now that the top-seeded Orange (33-2) lost center Fabricio Melo to academic issues, but McAllister tells us 6'9" freshman Rakeem Christmas has been impressive in the starting lineup. Among Syracuse's excellent wings, McAllister thinks Dion Waiters will be the one with the ball at crunch time.

Personally I think this game is tailor-made for Mike Bruesewitz to slither into the zone's gaps and rack up second chances. Wisconsin (26-9) obviously has to hit shots, but their ability to slow Syracuse in transition will be equally as important.

Don't forget to check out Nation of Orange for the Badger-centric portion of our Q&A exchange.

B5Q: Tell us what you've personally seen to be the differences between Syracuse with Fab Melo and Syracuse without Fab Melo. Judging from the UNC-Asheville scare, his absence seemed to be a real shock to the system. How much does this limit what the Orange try to do during games now?

Continue reading this post »

After seeing the scare Vanderbilt's zone defense put into Wisconsin over the final six minutes of last Saturday's game, the most daunting aspect of Thursday's meeting with top-seeded Syracuse is undoubtedly facing a zone defense for a full 40 minutes.

Though the catalyst to ths Syracuse defense -- 7'0" center Fab Melo -- will not play in this week's Sweet 16 tilt, the Orange have not only played the zone all year long, each player practices it every day of their career under Jim Boeheim.

To prepare the Badgers for the test, it's going to take a lot of film study by coaches and players alike in a short period of time. But it will also require a special effort from a specific group of Wisconsin players: the scout team.

Continue reading this post »

Stuck in the most predictable region of this year's tournament, No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 5 Vanderbilt were expected to wage a down-to-the-wire battle Saturday evening. And once again the East Region played out according to plan, with the higher-seeded Badgers escaping Albuquerque with a 60-57 win.

The Badgers (26-9) could not have done it without Ben Brust, who came off the bench to hit three timely 3-pointers in the second half. He scored all 11 of Wisconsin's points in an eight-minute stretch, joining four other Badgers in double figures.

Wisconsin was nursing a two-point lead over the Commodores (25-11) in the final seconds when Ryan Evans secured the biggest rebound of the night. After being fouled, he hit one of two free throws to set up Vanderbilt's last gasp. But Jared Berggren jumped to deflect the ensuing inbounds pass to preserve the victory and advance UW to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row.

Continue reading this post »

It's pretty ridiculous if you stop to think about it. Jordan Taylor has played in all 131 games during his Badger career, starting 82 of them. Not one of his 92 wins has come in the Big Ten Tournament.

That's right. Though Taylor will certainly go down as one of the best players in Wisconsin history, he and fellow senior Rob Wilson are 0-for-3 when it comes to conference tournament time. And Vegas is betting that these two Badgers won't get it done, installing No. 14 Wisconsin (23-8, 12-6 Big Ten) as a two-point underdog to No. 15 Indiana (24-7, 11-7) in Friday afternoon's tilt on a "feels like home" court in Indianapolis.

The opponent is daunting, but at least the match up is more intriguing than a Penn State-Wisconsin game would have been. Both teams have a lot to prove. Plus, with Branden Dawson out for Michigan State and Ohio State scraping by of late, you get the feeling that the tournament title is completely up for grabs.

Continue reading this post »

Go to Scholarship Grid & Depth Chart >>
Go to Historical Recruiting Calendar >>

Players signed: 1
SF Sam Dekker, Sheboygan WI |

Preferred walk-ons: 1
SG Zak Showalter, Germantown WI | [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+]

Others recruited:
PG: Marcus Paige {N. Carolina}, Mike Gesell {Iowa}, Wesley Staten {?}, Charles Harris {W. Michigan}, Terry Rozier {Louisville}
SG: Denzel Valentine {Michigan St.}, Isaiah Zierden {Creighton}, Wally Ellenson {Minnesota}, Eron Harris {W. Virginia}
SF: J.P. Tokoto {N. Carolina}, Kenny Kaminski {Michigan St.}, Steve Taylor {Marquette}, Sheldon Jeter {Vanderbilt}
PF: Mitch McGary {Michigan}, Jalen Robinson {Dayton}, Sam Mader {N. Illinois}, Ryan Rosburg {Missouri}
C: Adam Woodbury {Iowa}

Verbal commitments: 1
PG Bronson Koenig, La Crosse WI |

Scholarships offered: 3 of 4
SF Semi Ojeleye, Ottawa KS |
PF Kyle Washington, Champlin MN |
SG Matt Thomas, Onalaska WI |

Keeping tabs on:
PF Nigel Hayes, Toledo OH
PF Gavin Schilling, Chicago IL
G Kevin Johnson, Cincinnati OH
SF Josh Davenport, Cincinnati OH
PF Devin Williams, Cincinnati OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] | [video] [video] [video] [video] [video]
SF Jalen Norman, Nixa MO - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video] [video]
SF Nate Taphorn, Pekin IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] | [video]
SG Nick Fuller, Sun Prairie WI - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] | [video] [video]
PF Alex Foster, Chicago IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video]
PF Ted Friedman, Ankeny IA - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [video]
PF Toby Hegner, Berlin WI - [rivals] [scout] [espn]
F Vitto Brown, Bowling Green OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+]
C Maverick Morgan, Springboro OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video]
PG Jaylon Tate, Chicago IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video] [video]
F Mark Williams, Cleveland OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video]
PF Demonte Flannigan, Cleveland OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+]
PF Joe Aase, Austin MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [video]
PF Kyle Bauman, Wells MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn]
PF Akoy Agau, Omaha NE - [rivals] [scout] [espn] [24/7] | [+] [+] [$] | [video] [video]
PF Andrew McAuliffe, Glenbrook IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn]

Others recruited:
PG: Jalen James {Illinois}, Geno Thorpe {Penn St.}
SG: Kendall Stephens {Purdue}, Malcolm Hill {Illinois}
SF: Deonte Burton {Marquette}, Tony Farmer {???}
PF: Mark Donnal {Michigan}, Luke Fischer {Indiana}
C: Carson Shanks {Utah State}

Scholarships offered: 5 of 3
SF Kevon Looney, Milwaukee WI |
C Cliff Alexander, Chicago IL |
F Paul White, Chicago IL |
SG Paul Turner, Chicago IL |
SG Rashad Vaughn, Minneapolis MN |

Keeping tabs on:
PG Jonathan Williams, Elizabeth NJ
F Amanze Egezeke, Huntley IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video]
SG Kyle Kuzma, Burton MI - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+]
SF Josh Cunningham, Chicago IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] [24/7] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+]
SF Vincent Edwards, Middletown OH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+]
SG Peyton Allen, Springfield IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video] [video]
SF Reid Travis, Minneapolis MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] | [video]
F Keita Bates-Diop, Normal IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+]
F Abdul-Malik Abu, Meriden NH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+]
PF Seth Bonifas, Dubuque IA - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+]
SG Grant Evans, Selma IN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+]
PF Sean O'Mara, Lisle IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+]
SF David Burrell, Milwaukee WI - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] | [video]
SG Jared Terrell, Hampton NH - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] | [video]
PG Riley LaChance, Brookfield WI - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+]
PG Tyus Jones, Apple Valley MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video]
SG Elijah Robertson, Neuqua Valley IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+]

Scholarships offered: 1 of 3
C Diamond Stone, Whitefish Bay WI

Keeping tabs on:
SF Henry Ellenson, Rice Lake WI - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+]
PF Alex Illikainen, Grand Rapids MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] [+] [+] [+] | [video]
C Jeremy Miller, Hampton NH - [rivals] [scout] [espn]
PG Jordan Ash, Chicago IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+]
SG Chandler White, Fort Wayne IN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] [24/7] | [+] [+] | [video]
PG Jarvis Johnson, Minneapolis MN - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+] | [video]
PG Prentiss Nixon, Bolingbrook IL - [rivals] [scout] [espn] | [+]

Legend: player has prospect profile page star rating according to Rivals.com

Evans, Berggren and Gasser also receive accolades

Senior guard Jordan Taylor was voted by league coaches to the All-Big Ten First Team, revealed during Monday night's announcement of annual conference postseason awards. He joined Jared Sullinger, Robbie Hummel, John Shurna and conference player of the year Draymond Green of Michigan State, who were selected to the first team by both the coaches and media.

The media voted Penn State's Tim Frazier to the first team over Taylor, electing Wisconsin's eighth-leading all-time scorer to the second team instead.

Juniors Jared Berggren and Ryan Evans were honorable mention picks by both groups. In addition, Josh Gasser was named to the All-Defensive team by Big Ten coaches.

View a complete list of award winners here.

Continue reading this post »

Wisconsin will wrap up the regular season Sunday afternoon when the Badgers host Illinois on Senior Day. Though Jordan Taylor and Rob Wilson will be playing their final game on the Kohl Center floor, their work is far from over with the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments looming.

As the Badgers play on BTN, the familiar voice of Dan Dakich will be commentating on ESPN for the Michigan-Penn State game. On Thursday night I was fortunate enough to chat with him as he left Bristol for the airport. The veteran coach and broadcaster is known for his straight forward style on the air and being "impossible to offend" as he describes it, which means he also has a little fun with his haters on Twitter (@dandakich). In addition to thoughts on the Wisconsin-Illinois game and the upcoming postseason, Dakich shared his memories of the old UW Field House, his thoughts on Jordan Taylor's senior season, and gave his impression of a pair of Badger recruits.

B5Q: In addition to your work on TV, you also have a daily radio show in Indianapolis. I caught your interview with Bo Ryan earlier this season. The O'Jays bit cracked me up, including the part about Brad Sellers challenging you to a fight.

Continue reading this post »

Not only do the Badgers take to the court again tonight, but the road to the state high school tournament begins with regionals across Wisconsin. With a couple incoming prospects playing and a recent offer to Onalaska's Matt Thomas in the 2013 class, Wisconsin's staff will have plenty of interest in the proceedings.

In Recruit Review we check in with committed Badger recruits in their high school seasons. With only two committed scholarship players in the next two classes, it's been relatively easy to keep tabs on the guys.

By now everyone knows about Sam Dekker, whose Sheboygan Lutheran team hosts Lena to open the Division 5 playoffs tonight. Future walk-on Zak Showalter's powerful, top-ranked Germantown squad earned a bye in Division 1 with an undefeated record, but we'll rundown his season as well. Meanwhile, junior Bronson Koenig is still recovering from a midseason thumb injury that ended his season prematurely.

Continue reading this post »

Berggren beats Buckeyes with late 3-pointer, free throws

Wisconsin displayed a surprising sense of offensive urgency right from the opening tip Sunday afternoon. So maybe it shouldn't have come as a surprise when Jared Berggren fired a 3-pointer from the left wing early in the shot clock, his Badgers trailing Ohio State by one with 33 seconds remaining.

Berggren's shot snapped through the net and then he sank two free throws with 14 seconds left to seal a gritty 63-60 win. Though not many people gave the No. 16 Badgers (21-8, 10-6 Big Ten) much of a chance to beat the No. 8 Buckeyes (23-6, 11-5) in Columbus, the win filled a huge void on the Wisconsin's tournament resume. The team's sixth conference road win of the season was also its first road win against a Big Ten for ranked in the AP Top 10 since 1980.

The Badgers knew they had some unfinished business to take care of -- atoning for last week's loss at Iowa as well as convert its final chance for a marquee win this season. While Berggren and Jordan Taylor were combining for 23 second-half points, the Badger defense continued to clamp down on Ohio State star Jared Sullinger, holding him to eight points for the game.

Continue reading this post »