Wisconsin Basketball: Analyzing targets to finish the 2020 recruiting class

Ben Carlson – Saint Paul, MN

PF | 6-foot-9 | 205 lbs | No. 76 overall

Ben Carlson is the top-rated player on Wisconsin’s radar at the moment and he would be a monster addition. Ranked at No. 76 in the class, he is a superb power forward prospect with a bright future as a result of his all-around game. He can stretch the floor distance, attack the basket off the bounce, and projects as a solid defender as well. Quite simply, Carlson almost perfectly fits the mold of a modern power forward. He is extremely versatile and can function in a number of roles. Wisconsin has been heavily targeting Carlson for a long time as the program is looking to once again tap into their pipeline from the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

With that said, though, Carlson has been on the radar for many other high-major programs as well. Perhaps most notably, it feels as though Stanford and Xavier have a bit of an edge compared to others in this recruitment at the moment. Minnesota, Purdue, and Wisconsin also seem to be in the mix but it is hard to say exactly where he is in the decision-making process. It is clear that  the Badgers could have a difficult time luring this talent to Madison but their long-standing relationship could help. Wisconsin offered him as a scholarship all the way back in June of last year.

Carlson is clearly the top player on Wisconsin’s list of priorities right now and a commitment would mean a ton to the future of the program. The Badgers have already locked up their backcourt of the future and he would shore up many of the issues in the front court. Carlson is exceptionally talented and would definitely have an immediate spot reserved for him in the rotation. Other schools will also be able to offer playing time, though. Wisconsin might need to play up their successes with other talents from Minnesota to land this commit.