Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Michigan makes big statement to start the season

By Austin Walther

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks with Trice (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 12: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks with Trice (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

7. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0)

Are the Badgers back? I think so. It’s still November, but man did that win over Xavier do wonders for the guys, program and fan base. A big weight was lifted off the shoulders in Madison. That’s my analysis as a Badger fan. It’s great to be fairly healthy and Wisconsin has really found a big-three.

Ethan Happ records a triple-double in the opener and that sparked everything. It was to Coppin State, but with all the negativity of him taking a step back last season and his lack of a jumper, it’s what the team needed.

D’Mitrik Trice has come out with a vengeance. They guy really missed playing with all of his teammates for most of last year. He has made 13 three-pointers so far this season. I said last year he’s capable of making close to 100. That would mean making the Tournament and so far it looks like it’s possible Bucky returns.

Brad Davison is still the man for Wisconsin. If you want a prototypical Wisconsin Badger basketball player, Davison is your man. His role has been reduced because of Trice returning, but that makes him that much better. The other guy who is benefiting is Brevin Pritzl. He’s taken on a sixth-man role and that has done wonders to his stroke. This is why he was four-star with a shooters mentality.

Lastly, there’s Nate Reuvers who’s doing his best to help Happ down low. He’s added weight, has developed a couple moves and has a nice shot from time to time. The sophomore is still a work in progress, but he’s got a ton of potential.

Thank you for reading my heavily biased piece about the Badgers. I’m probably the most pumped on how they have looked. It’s fun to see Wisconsin back in the top-25. It’s going to be an even better Battle 4 Atlantis. Follow me on Twitter for more Badger coverage.

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