The Wisconsin men's basketball team marches into this weekend's battle with in-state rival UW-Milwaukee with a perfect 2-0 record. The team is coming off a great opening weekend in season play which saw them beat Eastern Washington and Northern Illinois to win the NABC Classic.
As they make preparations for UW-M, the Badgers realizes that they cannot take their neighbors from the east lightly. Experienced senior guard Kirk Penney knows the importance of consistent play no matter who the opponent may be.
\We prepare for this game like we do for every single game of the year,"" Penney said. ""We just need to play hard, be composed.""
Playing this brand of composed basketball will be critical as Badgers hope to go 3-0 this weekend. This involves not overlooking UW-Milwaukee simply because they are not in a power conference.
""You can't take these teams lightly because they will come out gunning,"" freshman guard Boo Wade said. ""We have to treat every team like they are in the top 10.""
This philosophy comes from the mind of second year Head Coach Bo Ryan, who believes that the name of the team his squad plays is immaterial. Rather, a team's intelligence and toughness will ultimately determine the outcome of the game.
""Every team we're playing in the nonconference is a team that can beat us,"" Ryan said. ""Competitors get themselves ready to play against any color uniform out there.""
Ryan will obviously recognize the colors of UW-Milwaukee, as he coached there prior to his entrance as head coach in Madison. However, Ryan believes that his past coaching experience at UW-Milwaukee will not impact his competitive fervor this weekend.
""Last year was probably more of a factor. It's a little bit different this year but there will always be a special place in my heart for UW-M,"" Ryan said.
UW-M will always be important to Ryan, but right now his goal is further improving the UW-Madison squad and leading it to another successful season. The returning players have greatly improved in both physical ability and the mental approach to the game, which Ryan sees as an advantage for this year's team.
""[Last year's returning basketball players] have increased the understanding factor and that makes for better execution,"" Ryan said. ""They are going to need some help from the younger players which is going to take some time for them. It's a day to day process.""
As one expected to guide some of the younger Badgers, sophomore guard Devon Harris has enthusiastically accepted his leadership role, and already notices key differences in the offense's level of execution at this early juncture of the season.
""We know the system a little better, we're familiar with some of the things that were supposed to do as oppose to last year. We're not as confused up to this point,"" Harris said. ""We're a step above last year.""
A good offensive showing, and a win, against the Panthers Saturday will go a long way in giving the team confidence, but no matter the outcome, the team know that they must maintain their consistency and focus. After all, the season is still very young.
""It's early days,"" Penney said. ""The fruits will be layed as we go along.""
Expect the Badgers to start the planting this weekend.
