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Wisconsin Basketball: 5 things the Badgers need for Christmas in 2018

By Austin Walther

MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 13: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dunks the ball in the second half against the Savannah State Tigers at the Kohl Center on December 13, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 13: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dunks the ball in the second half against the Savannah State Tigers at the Kohl Center on December 13, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Aleem Ford #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers dunks the ball past Brendan Bailey #1 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on December 08, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Aleem Ford #2 of the Wisconsin Badgers dunks the ball past Brendan Bailey #1 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in the first half at the Fiserv Forum on December 08, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Wisconsin needs to stay healthy

As someone who is a diehard Wisconsin sports fan, the thought of a season getting derailed because of injuries is real. Speaking more about the Packers than anything else. Nonetheless, star players can go down at any time because of a fluke injury. With big bodies flying all over the place, it could happen anytime. Officials have been cracking down on fouls to prevent this, but anything can happen at any time.

The season started with Aleem Ford having to miss the first three games because of an injury. He really didn’t start seeing regular minutes though until they returned to the United States. It wouldn’t have mattered if he was fully up to speed in the Bahamas because their only loss came to an elite Virginia team.

Ford did make a huge impact in his first meaningful game against NC State. He tied a career with four three-pointers in one game in which he did three times last season. His points come from hitting the outside shot as he didn’t even attempt a two-point shot against the Wolfpack. He’s been averaging over 16 minutes per game since seeing regular action. He goes six-foot-eight and is a three-point specialist which is a nice addition. For Badger fans, think of a slightly better Duje Dukan.

Wisconsin just saw a guard go down for the season with knee surgery. Trevor Anderson was a transfer from Green Bay who received a redshirt. He was one of the first off the bench, but after playing five or so minutes, he wouldn’t return. Anderson though had some potential and was nice depth in the back court. He’ll now be rehabbing for next season.

Khalil Iverson had to sit out of the game against Savannah State right before their finals break due to a leg injury. That wasn’t a concern as the Badgers rolled the Tigers, but they’re hoping this isn’t going to be lingering. Iverson was at practice on Thursday, December 20 and is listed as questionable. It wouldn’t be surprising if he sat out the next game or two before Big Ten play starts, just to be on the safe side.

D’Mitrik Trice and Kobe King both missed most of last season, so the injury history is there. There’s been absolutely nothing to raise concern, but knowing the guards missed a chunk of time in their careers makes you worry sometime. Brad Davison did have surgery in the off-season, but the guy played with a shoulder that kept popping out all season long. Things look to be fine, but good health is always a good thing over the holidays.

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