Latest news with #WestCoastConferenceFreshmanoftheYear
USA Today
12-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Recruiting outlet thinks Wisconsin has the best transfer class in college basketball
Recruiting outlet thinks Wisconsin has the best transfer class in college basketball Wisconsin basketball's impressive offseason is continuing to earn national recognition. As of April 12, On3 lists the Badgers' three-person transfer group as the No. 1 transfer class in college basketball. The group narrowly edges Kentucky (four commits), Oklahoma State (four commits), Butler (three commits) and Michigan (four commits) in the recruiting service's top five. Wisconsin's class currently includes wing Andrew Rohde, forward Austin Rapp and guard Nick Boyd. On3 lists each as a four-star transfer prospect, ranked as the portal's No. 110, No. 139 and No. 36 overall players, respectively. For reference, Louisville boasted On3's top transfer class last offseason, headlined by Wisconsin star Chucky Hepburn. That class led the Cardinals to a resurgent season in year one under Pat Kelsey -- a final 27-8 record and NCAA Tournament appearance. Other top-ranked transfer classes didn't boast the same success, as Kansas (No. 2), West Virginia (No. 3), Indiana (No. 4) and Nebraska (No. 5) mostly fell short of preseason expectations. That is to display that transfer rankings don't mean everything. For example, John Tonje was the No. 296 transfer during the 2024 cycle before delivering an All-American season leading the Badgers. Still, On3's transfer ranking reflects Wisconsin's successful transfer cycle to date. Boyd, Rapp and Rohde were all top targets from the start, plus Wisconsin edged top programs North Carolina, Michigan and Iowa State, respectively, for their commitments. Meanwhile, the Badgers have lost two three-star and one four-star transfer in Camren Hunter, Daniel Freitag and Xavier Amos, respectively. Amos is by far the biggest loss of the three. His departure creates a glaring need at depth forward, one the Badgers must address before the transfer cycle concludes. Wisconsin's new-look starting five with Rohde, Rapp, Boyd, John Blackwell and Nolan Winter should line up favorably against most in the Big Ten. It includes an ascending star in Blackwell, a promising big man in Winter, the 2024 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in Rapp, an experienced sharpshooter in Rohde and an established guard with Final Four experience in Boyd. The team's success in 2025-26 may still come down to how Greg Gard fills the rotation, whether with underclassmen or remaining transfer additions. While the team can hold top rankings for its star-powered transfer-heavy starting lineup, it will likely only go as far as its depth takes it. Bookmark our transfer tracker for the latest on the team's upcoming moves. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure
The Wisconsin basketball roster has seen a flurry of movement over the last seven days. After the departures of reserve guards Daniel Freitag and Camren Hunter, the Badgers landed commitments from highly touted transfers Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. Those three additions, at wing, forward and guard, respectively, bolster a 2025-26 starting lineup that currently projects as one of the better in the Big Ten. The group includes a rising star guard in John Blackwell, assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft, an NBA hopeful in forward Nolan Winter, a sharpshooting wing in Rohde, the 2025 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in Rapp and a veteran guard with Final Four experience in Boyd. Advertisement That starting unit represents what has been an impressive transfer cycle to date for Greg Gard and his coaching staff, plus has the team's outlook steadily improving in way-too-early 2025-26 projections. However, one major question still exists. The departure of veteran forward Xavier Amos greatly depleted Wisconsin's depth, especially at forward. The team now returns just one bench contributor from 2024-25: sophomore guard Jack Janicki. Gard now needs to find further transfer additions to fill out the lineup, or else he'll be forced to rely on a group of incoming freshmen and other inexperienced underclassmen. For more on what Amos' departure means for Wisconsin's 2025-26 outlook, here is a fresh look at the team's starting lineup and rotation, plus a ranking of its remaining transfer needs. Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Nick Boyd (2) shoots the ball in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)* Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Advertisement Wisconsin's starting five could go up against any in the conference. Blackwell and Winter will be popular preseason all-conference selections. Boyd could join that group when the season tips off, especially if he's able to replicate his strong production at San Diego State last season. The major wild cards are Rapp, who is looking to transfer his production from the WCC to the Big Ten, and Rohde, who struggled mightily in his first year at Virginia before a strong 2024-25 campaign. If all three transfers hit, Wisconsin will be good enough to win the conference next season. *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards) Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Advertisement As mentioned, Wisconsin has major needs on its bench. The team has limited frontcourt depth after Amos' departure. Greppi played sparingly as a freshman last season and Garlock is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin likely won't rely on either to play significant minutes, which means it needs to land multiple transfers at the position. Janicki leads a reserve guard rotation that could also still use a boost. While Kinziger and Jones are promising, each is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin's bench unit generated several critical victories during the 2024-25 campaign. As of today, this unit is far from where it needs to be to replicate that impact. Wisconsin Remaining Transfer Portal Needs INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 16: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Big Ten men's basketball tournament championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 16, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) Frontcourt depth (multiple players) Scoring wing Backup guard Advertisement A best-case Wisconsin offseason includes two more transfer forwards, a scoring wing and more guard depth. The first need ranks dramatically above the other two, as Wisconsin can get by without further backcourt depth but would struggle mightily without multiple frontcourt additions. The team currently has just two dependable forwards in Winter and Rapp, the latter who is even a bit of a question. It would be best served to land an experienced veteran plus a lower-level underclassman looking to make a jump. A sentence that would have been hard to believe just two short years ago: Wisconsin needs those additions to become this year's Carter Gilmore. Needs No. 2 and No. 3 are only necessary if the Badgers set out to replicate their terrific 2024-25 depth. An experienced scoring wing would push Rohde to the bench group and significantly lengthen the rotation. Another backup point guard, veteran or not, would further accomplish that task. Frontcourt depth needs to be the main priority for the Badgers. Otherwise, their top-tier starting lineup could be disadvantaged against the conference's deeper units. Advertisement Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball lineup, transfer portal needs without Xavier Amos
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure
Wisconsin updated 2025-26 lineup, transfer portal needs after Xavier Amos' departure The Wisconsin basketball roster has seen a flurry of movement over the last seven days. After the departures of reserve guards Daniel Freitag and Camren Hunter, the Badgers landed commitments from highly touted transfers Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp and Nick Boyd. Those three additions, at wing, forward and guard, respectively, bolster a 2025-26 starting lineup that currently projects as one of the better in the Big Ten. The group includes a rising star guard in John Blackwell, assuming he withdraws from the NBA draft, an NBA hopeful in forward Nolan Winter, a sharpshooting wing in Rohde, the 2025 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in Rapp and a veteran guard with Final Four experience in Boyd. That starting unit represents what has been an impressive transfer cycle to date for Greg Gard and his coaching staff, plus has the team's outlook steadily improving in way-too-early 2025-26 projections. However, one major question still exists. The departure of veteran forward Xavier Amos greatly depleted Wisconsin's depth, especially at forward. The team now returns just one bench contributor from 2024-25: sophomore guard Jack Janicki. Gard now needs to find further transfer additions to fill out the lineup, or else he'll be forced to rely on a group of incoming freshmen and other inexperienced underclassmen. For more on what Amos' departure means for Wisconsin's 2025-26 outlook, here is a fresh look at the team's starting lineup and rotation, plus a ranking of its remaining transfer needs. Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)* (Junior)* Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) Wisconsin's starting five could go up against any in the conference. Blackwell and Winter will be popular preseason all-conference selections. Boyd could join that group when the season tips off, especially if he's able to replicate his strong production at San Diego State last season. The major wild cards are Rapp, who is looking to transfer his production from the WCC to the Big Ten, and Rohde, who struggled mightily in his first year at Virginia before a strong 2024-25 campaign. If all three transfers hit, Wisconsin will be good enough to win the conference next season. *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards) Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) As mentioned, Wisconsin has major needs on its bench. The team has limited frontcourt depth after Amos' departure. Greppi played sparingly as a freshman last season and Garlock is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin likely won't rely on either to play significant minutes, which means it needs to land multiple transfers at the position. Janicki leads a reserve guard rotation that could also still use a boost. While Kinziger and Jones are promising, each is joining as a true freshman. Wisconsin's bench unit generated several critical victories during the 2024-25 campaign. As of today, this unit is far from where it needs to be to replicate that impact. Wisconsin Remaining Transfer Portal Needs Frontcourt depth (multiple players) Scoring wing Backup guard A best-case Wisconsin offseason includes two more transfer forwards, a scoring wing and more guard depth. The first need ranks dramatically above the other two, as Wisconsin can get by without further backcourt depth but would struggle mightily without multiple frontcourt additions. The team currently has just two dependable forwards in Winter and Rapp, the latter who is even a bit of a question. It would be best served to land an experienced veteran plus a lower-level underclassman looking to make a jump. A sentence that would have been hard to believe just two short years ago: Wisconsin needs those additions to become this year's Carter Gilmore. Needs No. 2 and No. 3 are only necessary if the Badgers set out to replicate their terrific 2024-25 depth. An experienced scoring wing would push Rohde to the bench group and significantly lengthen the rotation. Another backup point guard, veteran or not, would further accomplish that task. Frontcourt depth needs to be the main priority for the Badgers. Otherwise, their top-tier starting lineup could be disadvantaged against the conference's deeper units. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Major takeaways from Wisconsin basketball landing San Diego State transfer guard Nick Boyd
Major takeaways from Wisconsin basketball landing San Diego State transfer guard Nick Boyd The Wisconsin Badgers landed a transfer commitment from former San Diego State guard Nick Boyd on Sunday. The four-star prospect chose Wisconsin over top contender North Carolina, which he also visited during his recruitment. The rising sixth-year senior is 247Sports' No. 45 overall player in the portal and No. 11 shooting guard. His addition pushed the Badgers' transfer class up to No. 16 nationally. Boyd joins Wisconsin after a strong 2024-25 season at San Diego State. He led the Aztecs in points (13.4) and assists (3.9 assists) while shooting 41% from the floor and 35% from 3. While the team fell in the NCAA Tournament First Four to North Carolina, the year continued Boyd's strong career trajectory after an impressive multi-year run at FAU. Wisconsin's starting lineup and rotation continue to gain clarity with Boyd's addition. He is a write-in starting combo guard beside John Blackwell, assuming Blackwell doesn't enter the NBA draft. The two should create one of the Big Ten's better backcourt duos. For more on the fallout from Boyd's commitment and what it means for the Badgers' 2025-26 season, here are some key takeaways: Boyd adds a key veteran presence and a track record of March success Boyd's strong production (13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 2024-25) is enough of a reason to be excited about his commitment. But past the statistical profile, the senior guard brings a March Madness track record that none on Wisconsin's roster can match. Boyd helped lead FAU to an improbable Final Four run in 2023, then to another NCAA Tournament appearance the following season. That type of March Madness experience is rare in the transfer portal. It should help Blackwell and the Badgers' other rising stars work to reverse the program's eight years of postseason disappointment. Boyd's commitment caps a best-case transfer recruiting run for Wisconsin Boyd is the third four-star transfer prospect to commit to Wisconsin in the last six days. The team beat several top programs in those recruiting races, including North Carolina for Boyd, Michigan for forward Austin Rapp and Iowa State for guard Andrew Rohde. Wisconsin addressed the major holes in its lineup with those three additions. Big picture, the three commitments represent a best-case run for Greg Gard and his staff. Boyd, Rohde and Rapp were instantly among their top targets and leading pursuits from the moment the portal opened. Wisconsin prioritized a clear player profile Boyd, Rapp and Rohde all join Wisconsin under different circumstances. Boyd will be a sixth-year senior with years of strong production, Rohde joins after a breakthrough 2024-25 season at Virginia and Rapp is fresh off a West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year campaign. But there is a clear throughline: all are terrific 3-point shooters and can score without a high shot volume. Rohde shot a blistering 41% from long range at Virginia last season while averaging 9.3 points on just 7.8 shot attempts per game. Rapp leads this headline, as he led the WCC in 3-point attempts (83), makes (236) and percentage (35%) last season. Boyd, finally, shot 35% from deep in 2024-25. He averaged 13.4 points on 10.5 shot attempts per game, plus led his team in assists (3.9). Gard has built a versatile lineup that can shoot well and distribute the basketball from one through five. The 2024-25 team was a great preview of that dynamic. Rapp now replaces Steven Crowl, Boyd replaces Max Klesmit and Rohde fills John Tonje's wing role. Together, they should help the Badgers starting group not miss a beat next season. Gard's offensive overhaul continues to pay dividends Gard's work to overhaul Wisconsin's offensive approach and overall program over the last few years continues to pay dividends. As mentioned, the team landed transfers over North Carolina, Michigan and Iowa State, among others. It's clear that those players, from a senior in Boyd to a sophomore in Rapp, view Wisconsin's system as one where they can develop, put up big numbers and potentially jump to the NBA. That was not the reality just three years ago. NIL-based or not, Wisconsin was not beating top programs for coveted transfers. Wisconsin is another depth addition or two away from being a Big Ten favorite Assuming Blackwell is back, Wisconsin's projected starting lineup could go against any in the Big Ten. The only question remains deeper in the rotation, where Carter Gilmore and Kamari McGee played such critical roles in 2024-25. Jack Janicki and Xavier Amos should begin to fill those shoes. But Wisconsin is likely one or two key depth options away from being a legitimate Big Ten favorite. But overall, any outstanding questions about Gard and Wisconsin excelling in the transfer age should be put to rest. He is in full control of Wisconsin's roster management and has the program set to contend for Big Ten titles in the years to come. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
07-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball updated starting lineup, rotation after Nick Boyd's commitment
Wisconsin basketball updated starting lineup, rotation after Nick Boyd's commitment Wisconsin basketball's projected 2025-26 starting lineup and rotation look night-and-day different after the last five days of transfer movement. The program has landed three four-star transfers during that time: Virginia guard Andrew Rohde, Portland forward Austin Rapp and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd. Rohde, a rising senior, joins after two years at Virginia. He shot a terrific 41% from 3 last season, which should help him have little trouble finding a consistent role in the Badgers' lineup. While the 6-foot-6 wing currently slots into the team's starting unit, he could move down to sixth man if it lands a top transfer wing. Rapp, next, broke out as a true freshman in 2024-25. His per-game averages of 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks led to a West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year award. The 6-foot-10 forward notably led the WCC in 3-point attempts, makes and percentage, further indicating Wisconsin's clear pursuit of versatile players and shooting ability. Rapp will fill Steven Crowl's role in the starting unit. He joins the program with three years of eligibility remaining, projecting as a lineup mainstay through that time. Finally, Wisconsin edged North Carolina for Nick Boyd's commitment on Sunday night. The veteran guard helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2022-23, then was the best player on a 2024-25 San Diego State team that received an at-large tournament bid. Boyd can shoot, handle the ball and distribute. He and John Blackwell should form one of the Big Ten's better backcourt duos. For more on how those additions fit in the lineup, here is an updated look at Wisconsin's projected rotation after the flurry of transfer commitments: Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Lineup Projection With Transfer Guard Nick Boyd Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)* (Junior)* Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) (Senior -- San Diego State transfer) Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior -- Virginia transfer) (Senior -- Virginia transfer) Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) (Sophomore -- Portland transfer) Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior) On paper, this could be one of the better lineups in the Big Ten next season. All but one player shot above 35% from long range in 2024-25 -- Blackwell at 32%. Wisconsin's success this past season was due to a versatile lineup that could stretch the floor and score from point guard to center. This projected lineup presents the same challenge to defend. Blackwell should carry the scoring load, Boyd profiles as a key supporting scorer, Rohde and Rapp are knock-down shooting threats and Winter is emerging as one of the better big men in the conference. All five players can shoot, score and distribute the basketball. While the lineup will need to prove it on the court next winter, it could be just as dangerous as the program's terrific 2024-25 starting unit. One storyline to watch is whether Wisconsin adds another top transfer wing, a move that would send Rohde into a sixth-man role. Blackwell's NBA draft status is also worth watching. *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards) Wisconsin's Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Forward Xavier Amos (Senior) (Senior) Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore) (Sophomore) Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman) (Freshman) Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman) (Freshman) Center Will Garlock (Freshman) Wisconsin's bench unit could define its 2025-26 season. Several of the team's results last season came down to Carter Gilmore, Kamari McGee, Janicki and Amos' bench contributions. Janicki and Amos project as the team's leading bench players in 2025-26. Big questions exist past that duo, with none of Robison, Greppi, Jones, Kinziger, or Garlock having significant collegiate experience. It's reasonable to expect one or two of those underclassmen to emerge. But at this stage of the offseason, it's hard to rely on any joining the rotation. Wisconsin should still add a transfer depth option or two for that reason. The team's starting lineup looks as strong as any, although the overall lineup is still on the thin side. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
