If there is one thing Wisconsin basketball fans knew about freshman guard Jason Bohannon entering the season, it's that he could flat out shoot the basketball.
After two games, however, the freshman from Iowa was shooting just 16.7 percent from beyond the arc, not the type of percentage that one would expect from a sharpshooter. Yet ironically, Bohannon still had fans, teammates and coaches excited about his start to the season. Perhaps that's because there is one thing Wisconsin fans didn't know about Bohannon—the kid can do a lot more than shoot.
Bohannon might not be stuffing the stat sheet just yet—he averages just five points, two rebounds and two assists per game—but he has done the little things that have drawn the attention and praise of his teammates and coaches alike. Despite coming off the bench in the first three games, Bohannon averaged 17.6 minutes, fifth most on the team, and has played with poise and maturity not typical of a true freshman.
""He's not playing like a freshman at all,"" senior point guard Kammron Taylor said. ""Jason has been consistent the whole preseason and the first two games, and that's why coach has him out there on the floor.""
It was in high school in Marion, Iowa that Bohannon earned his reputation as a sharpshooter, garnering three first-team All-State selections and Iowa's Mr. Basketball award last season. Yet early this year, Bohannon has shown surprising athleticism, an ability to find open teammates and a knack for getting to the basket and finishing strong.
""I like to show that there's a lot more to my game than just shooting,"" Bohannon said. ""I like to be called a shooter, too, but there are a lot of different aspects to the game.""
Wisconsin coaches have quickly grown fond of Bohannon's attitude and consistency, and agreed that he offers much more than his 3-point shooting.
""He's got a very good sense for the game, a very good IQ,"" Wisconsin assistant coach Howard Moore said. ""He can put it on the floor and hit open teammates. Obviously he can shoot it, but there's a lot more to his game than just catching and shooting. What he brings to the table is versatility and a good understanding of how to play.""
Perhaps Bohannon's biggest strength so far this season is not the physical aspect of his game, but his ability to develop quickly. So far he has played with a confident swagger and maturity that makes him look like he has far more than three college games under his belt, causing Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan to praise Bohannon's ability to understand the game and make adjustments.
""He's very intelligent when it comes to picking up things from film, from practice drills,"" Ryan said. ""He's an intelligent player who doesn't back down from anybody anytime, and I just like his moxie.""
Despite all the praise, Bohannon is still shooting only 33 percent from beyond the arc after three games. However, he knocked down two of three 3-pointers against Southern on Sunday, and appears to be getting back on track. Opponents know that Bohannon is a threat from beyond the arc, and even if he isn't hitting his shots at the moment, they still have to respect his jumper.
""If you try to play him for the jump shot, he has that dribble attack where he can get to the basket,"" Taylor said.
Bohannon has indeed done a good job getting to the basket, making several tough layups in heavy traffic. Yet as a shooter, he won't give up on his 3-point shot even if he's struggling.
""Everyone always tells me to keep shooting it and keep my confidence up, and not to worry about letting it go,"" Bohannon said. ""They always say that's the reason I'm on the floor, so I just have to keep shooting it and not worry about it.""
If Sunday's game is any indication, Bohannon looks like he's ready to break out with his 3-point shot. But even when his shot starts falling consistently, he will just keep doing the little things that have kept him on the floor thus far.
""The fun thing about Jason is that even if he's not making most of the shots that he's taking, he's doing other things,"" Moore said. ""He's rebounding, he's playing defense, he's taking charges. That's what you want from a guy. Those types of things keep you in the flow of the game, and then when his shots start falling, look out.""
