With the uncertainty surrounding the head coaching position with Bo Ryan’s imminent retirement, the Badgers continue their search for the next court general after Bronson Koenig. The prospect of having one true point guard on the roster this season has been a significant cause for concern, so depth reinforcement is necessary even if Koenig stays for his senior year.
The coaching staff failed to capitalize on several big time recruits such as Payton Pritchard, Xavier Simpson, and Jaquori McLaughlin. Only offering in-state three-star talent Trevor Anderson a walk-on opportunity and under-valuing other in-state products, in addition to aforementioned recruiting struggles, could come back to haunt Bo Ryan and company.
Don’t fret yet. There is optimism in that the fundamental genius of Wisconsin basketball can work its magic and ultimately, groom another under-the-radar kid into an NBA prospect. Unfortunately, Frank Kaminsky’s story is not one to be replicated without immense work. With one scholarship left and trouble finding a point guard, the stubborn Badgers have let countless prospects at other positions slip through the cracks such as four-star Small forward Sam Hauser and three-star power-forward Nick Rakocevic.
Missed Chances
Payton Pritchard (Oklahoma de-commit; Oregon; **** #48 Nationally)
Xavier Simpson (University of Michigan; ****#71 Nationally)
JaQuori McLaughlin (Oregon State; **** #89 Nationally)
Trevor Anderson (Not offered; UW-Green Bay; ***#266 Nationally)
Wisconsin has passed up on ranked players at other positions:
Willie Jackson, Sam Hauser, Nick Rakocevic, Tejon Lucas, Juwan McCloud, Jordan Bohannon
Remaining Options
Frankie Hughes (Offered; Cleveland, OH; SG/Combo Guard; ***)
- Lock-down shooter and more of an off-ball guard. But, he has shown glimpses of his ability to make plays for both himself and for his teammates with the ball. He played for All-Ohio AUU, a team that has helped pave the way for several college and professional players like Michael Redd, Jared Sullinger, Eric Snow, and Trey Burke. He’s a high-ceiling guy with tremendous potential.
Skyler Nash (No current offer; Chicago, IL; 6’5 SG/Combo Guard; ***)
- Great height for his position; freakish athlete. He would give the Badgers versatility in his ability to play three positions and his vision. Side story: Nash battled cancer last year and had to transfer from power house Whitney Young to a suburban high school. He has shown tremendous persistence to make a full recovery, and then dealt with a dehydration infection and and various problems his entire life. There is no question Nash is driven to achieve greatness and whatever he puts his mind to.
Kobe Gantz (Not currently offered; 6’2 170; Lancaster, PA; unranked PG)
- One of the best players at the Badger basketball camp over the summer. He’s a very unselfish, high IQ leader. Supposedly, he will retake the ACT and hopes to get an offer contingent on better test scores. Underrated and the underdog his whole life, Gantz is a who plays the game with his heart, sweat, and tears on his sleeve and deserves an opportunity.
The Badgers still have several options regardless of their misfortune so far. For one, look for the staff to try and flip a soft or verbal commitment of an in-state prospect with an offer such as Tejon Lucas, Trevor Anderson, Juwan McCloud, or Jordan Bohannon. The most obvious choice would be to get a commitment from Frankie Hughes. The Badgers have had some success recruiting in Ohio with Nigel Hayes, Vitto Brown, and most recently, freshman Khalil Iverson.
In the past, Bo has found ways around his lack of ball handlers by moving players of other positions. Traevon Jackson, who entered Wisconsin as a shooting guard, thrived as the point guard. Bo Ryan’s patented five-guard offense doesn’t necessarily require a point-guard. Every player wearing the red and white is a triple threat meaning they can dribble, pass, and shoot. The flexibility of Bo’s offense will be tested, but then again, he’s never been one to follow the conventional path to success and look where it has gotten the future Hall of Famer.
Author’s Take
I expect the Badgers to get their next point guard in the form of Frankie Hughes. The Badgers have not shied away from their goal of bringing him in, as Assistant Coach Lamont Paris visited the combo-guard last Tuesday according to his coach. He hasn’t been shy about his love for the program’s identity, as he respects Bo’s work: “His style of play is amazing. As a defense you can’t protect the perimeter or clog the paint against them…I love the way they use their pieces to their advantage.”
The puzzling question to many who have watched this 2015 recruiting class unfold remains: Why didn’t Bo and his staff try to secure a guard in this recruiting cycle rather than play the fickle waiting game?
Although Wisconsin has advanced to the Final Four two straight years, inconsistency in recruiting may forever leave us wondering what Bo Ryan could do with five-star talent. A simple yes from Ryan to maintain the coaching throne might have provided the necessary leverage to close on missed recruits.
That being said, the Badgers will take the high road and make the most of their current options in their ongoing search for the next point guard.
In Bo Ryan we trust.
Featured image: Badgers coaching staff