Wisconsin Basketball: Previewing the Badgers’ 2017 recruiting class

Wisconsin basketball is one of the most consistent programs in the entire country. How will their 2017 recruiting class continue that tradition?

In this century, the Wisconsin Badgers have made their impact on the entire college basketball landscape. The Badgers are a mainstay in the Big Dance, and with 19 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin is tied for the sixth longest streak all-time with Gonzaga. They have done this under four different head coaches (Bo Ryan with 14), including the last two under Greg Gard.

Wisconsin has been a program built on playing to their system. For much of the 2000s, they were one of the best defending teams in the country and often times played at a slow pace. Unlike several other top programs, Wisconsin has not been one to land “top recruits” during their period of excellence. Nonetheless, the program has found success by recruiting players who fit their style and are ready to commit to developing under the coaching staff in Madison.

Looking at the 2017 class, the Badgers have configured a class ranked 39th in the country and fifth in the Big Ten by 247Sports. This class includes two four-star recruits and a three-star recruit. Although Wisconsin is typically reliant upon their upperclassmen, this season could be different following the graduation of Nigel Hayes, Bronson Koenig, Vitto Brown, and Zak Showalter. In fact, this recruiting class is Wisconsin’s highest ranked since bringing in Hayes, Brown, and Koenig in 2013 (that class was ranked 38th by 247Sports).

Let’s take a look at each of Wisconsin’s three recruits and what they might bring to Madison over the next few years. With a young roster entering 2017-18, it is possible we see more action from Wisconsin freshmen than we have grown accustomed to seeing as well.