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Wisconsin Basketball: Keys to success against Saint Mary’s in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Brad Davison #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers is defended by Lasani Johnson #5 of the Grambling State Tigers during the first half at Kohl Center on December 22, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 22: Brad Davison #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers is defended by Lasani Johnson #5 of the Grambling State Tigers during the first half at Kohl Center on December 22, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Reuvers and King defending Howard. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 08: Reuvers and King defending Howard. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Find a way to slow down Jordan Ford.

Easily one of the best mid-major players in the entire country, Jordan Ford will be a nightmare for Wisconsin to cover in the opening game of the season. A returning All-WCC performer from last season, Ford is a dynamic offensive threat with the ability to efficiently fill it up at all three levels. He essentially dictates Saint Mary’s entire high-octane offensive unit as the unquestioned leader.

Over the course of last season, Ford posted averages of 21.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Even with the massive scoring load that he had to carry on the campaign, Ford still managed to shoot 52.7% inside the arc and 41.2% from three. He is simply a supernova scorer that is a proven superstar on the national stage. Ford seems to show up with some of his best games against top-tier opposition.

Rising junior forward Malik Fitts, who averaged 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, will also be a difficult matchup for the Badgers but Ford is definitely going to be at the top of the scouting report. His abilities as a self-creating scorer at all three levels are incredibly difficult to defend. In order to slow him down, Wisconsin will likely throw multiple different looks at him.

Brad Davison should draw the matchup from the opening tip but Kobe King, Brevin Pritzl, Trevor Anderson, and D’Mitrik Trice will all likely spend some time covering him. The Badgers might not have a true shut-down perimeter guard but they were one of the best overall team defensive units in the country last season. That will hopefully continue with a strong outing against Jordan Ford and the Gaels.

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