As the Badger men's basketball team closed out their exhibition season late this week, they begin preparations for their first regular season game against Prairie View A&M this Sunday at the Kohl Center. In previous seasons, Wisconsin has been able to handle their opening game with ease, defending their home court against a non-conference opponent in each of the past three seasons.
This year, pre-season all Big-Ten Jon Leuer takes the throne as the Badger's leader and primary playmaker, along with junior point guard Jordan Taylor. After vastly improving his game this past summer, Leuer seems poised to carry the load for a Badger team that returns three starters from last year's team and is composed of six seniors.
The only concern for the team is who will step in and fill the voids left by guards Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon.
However, head coach Bo Ryan has hardly seemed concerned.
It's tough not to wonder whether Wisconsin's lack of experience will result in less production compared to last season, but Ryan praises his team's work ethic and is certain they are well-prepared for the road ahead.
""You never question whether you are ready. It's just how well they'll perform,"" Ryan said. ""Conditioning-wise they have done everything. They are in the position where if they keep making the effort to improve, then we will continue to become a better team.""
Senior walk-on Wquinton Smith has emerged as the likely back-up for Jordan Taylor at the point as his defensive tenacity and ball-handling during the exhibition slate have impressed Ryan and the rest of his staff.
""[Wquinton] gave us what he has given us since he first came here as a walk-on: energy. I've always loved the guys that people don't think can produce,"" Ryan said. ""I don't look at Q as a walk-on, I'm just looking for players, and I'm looking for guys who can get things done on both ends of the floor.""
One of the players that will help open up the floor for Taylor and Smith is senior forward Keaton Nankivil, who returns from a season where he posted nine double digit scoring outputs. Nankivil has emerged as not only a low-post threat, but also a guy who can step out and shoot the open three.
His mid-range game and stroke from beyond the arc will definitely give opposing team's fits in trying to match-up, and will also open up the floor for more penetration from the Badger guards.
Sophomore Ryan Evans, along with senior Tim Jarmusz and junior Rob Wilson will fill out an experienced front court for Coach Ryan. Along with promising sophomore Mike Bruesewitz and junior forward Jared Berggren playing the role of the reserves, Wisconsin looks to begin its regular season the way it ended its exhibition season, with a dominating performance all-around.
""It's fun, it's exciting,"" Leuer said. ""This is a good time of the year for us and we're looking forward to getting the real games started.""
