Wisconsin Basketball: Why Badgers will be better than Marquette in 2019-20
By Cody Larson
Badgers were more prepared for the losses
The biggest case against the Badgers is the loss of cornerstone player, Ethan Happ. And while there is no denying the significant blow his exit leaves, there is a way to turn a much more positive spin on it. In doing so, one must compare the loss of Happ with Marquette’s loss of the Hauser brothers.
By no means is the loss of Happ less damaging than the loss of Sam and Joey, but in contrast, Happ’s exit came with much more opportune preparedness. The Hausers unexpectedly requested to transfer not so long ago, meanwhile, the Badgers entered last season well-aware that it would be the last time they’d be blessed with Ethan Happ’s presence.
That likely means Badger practices have consisted of running sets without their star big man in the mix for a good year now. Their players likely have a solid grasp of where the leftover shots might head, and what it will be like having floor-stretching Nate Reuvers slotting in at center more often. The transition should be much more seamless than most project.
On the opposing end, the Golden Eagles will be forced to freelance their way into comfort, as they learn to live life on the court without the Hauser brothers. Their players haven’t had the glory of preparing for what it will be like to not have the two consistent shooters (Sam made 40.2 percent of his threes last year; Joey made 42.5 percent of his) waiting to strike from either corner, nor what it will be like to carry out games in a more guard-oriented rotation.
Preparedness goes a long way in adding to the wins column, and while Wisconsin has likely had more turnover to prepare for, they also have had longer to do so. They should be more in touch with their new look than Marquette will be when they meet so early on in the season.