Wisconsin Basketball: A look at the Badgers' success this century

Wisconsin Basketball: A look at the Badgers’ success this century

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players run on the court after the 2015 NCAA Men's Division I Championship semi-final game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Bo Ryan during practice for the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game at Lucas Oil Stadium. at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2010 – 2013: Jordan Taylor transitions to a new wave of stars

2010-2011: 25-9 (13-5 Big Ten), Sweet 16

With a star duo of Jordan Taylor (18.1 points per game) and Jon Leuer (18.3 points per game), Wisconsin once again finished near the top of the Big Ten conference. In a conference headed with three really strong teams (Ohio State, Purdue, UW), Wisconsin finished third place at 13-5 with fourth coming in at 9-9. As a four seed, the Badgers knocked out Belmont in the first round. There, however, they were defeated by the eventual National Runners-up in Butler.

2011-2012: 26-10 (12-6 Big Ten), Sweet 16

Although Taylor returned for his senior season, his production dropped to just 14.8 points per game. Yet, with a talented core of Ryan Evans, Jared Berggren, Josh Gasser, and Ben Brust around him, Wisconsin had another successful season. As the pattern continued, the Badgers wound up with a top-four finish in the conference for the 11th consecutive season and received an invite to the Big Dance. They reached the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season, where they fell to the one seed Syracuse.

2012-2013: 23-12 (12-6 Big Ten), First Round

Jordan Taylor may have left, but the Badgers were still left in good hands. Ben Brust (11.1 points per game) was the leading scorer on the team, but Wisconsin was incredibly balanced thanks to a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars. Bo Ryan once again had his squad in peak defensive form, giving up just 55.9 points per game. They were awarded a five seed in the NCAA Tournament but were knocked out by Marshall Henderson and Ole Miss.

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