Wisconsin Basketball: Setting 2019 offseason priorities for the Badgers

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Head coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on in the second half against the Nebraska Huskers during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 29: Ford of the Badgers dribbles. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

5. Continue to develop Ford and King.

Aleem Ford and Kobe King are, in my opinion, the two biggest wildcards heading into this coming season. Both players underachieved compared to preseason expectations during this past campaign but were also coming off of serious injuries. Now an entire year removed from both of those setbacks, these two could be in for major breakout seasons. If they are able to maximize their potential during this coming campaign, Wisconsin’s ceiling raises significantly.

As a freshman in 2017-18, Aleem Ford showed out as one of the best shooters on the Wisconsin roster. He shot 40.9% from distance in that season and flashed plenty of potential as a stretch forward. During this past season, though, his impact was limited due to injury and his shooting dropped to just 28.8% from three. When completely healthy, Ford represents a 6-foot-8 perimeter threat with an improving all-around game. He should be a vital part of the rotation next season.

Kobe King, on the other hand, has put up inconsistent numbers in his 44 total contests with the Badgers. With that said, though, he has shown flashes of being a potentially great player. Along with Brad Davison and D’Mitrik Trice (as well as Trevor Anderson), King should play significant minutes in the backcourt next season. He averaged just 4.2 points per game last season and the hope should be that he doubles that mark as a sophomore (medically redshirted his first year).

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