Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2020 recruiting classes
Wisconsin Badgers: No. 4 Big Ten, No. 29 Nation
Ben Carlson 6’9 / 220 PF:
East Ridge High School had a great game plan during the 2019-20 season, when in doubt feed number twenty-three. With a strong right hand that aids him in the dribble/drive in traffic, or going coast to coast in the open court Wisconsin Basketball’s sole four-star recruit is strong. Whether it be a strong high screen, posting strong in the key, or finishing strong at the basket with contact. His perimeter defense will need to get better and if it does he will be able to fill either forward position.
Lorne Bowman 6’2 / 180 CG:
The combo-guard title is bestowed upon him primarily because of his versatility defending the backcourt positions. While playing for St Mary’s High School in Detroit the three-star guard would defend opposing point guards on the defensive end, while being a spot-up shooter on the offensive end. Other Big Ten schools in Nebraska and Iowa were also interested in his unselfish play and how he plays within an offense.
Steven Crowl 6’9 / 210 C:
Another Wisconsin Basketball commit who was sought after by various Big Ten teams, including Richard Pitino and Crowl’s in-state Golden Gophers. Although Crowl occupied the paint for Eastview Senior, he was dependant upon the guards letting him get touches, which was difficult because Crowl did not consistently battle for position. Despite being able to score going baseline or middle from the post, do not expect Crowl to be a fixture in the Badgers’ rotation in 2020-21.
Johnny Davis 6’4 / 185 SG:
Already has the type of game that will translate to the Big Ten in his freshman year. Has the tendency to not go left, yet is still a very solid ball-handler. As the primary scorer at La Crosse Central High School, the three-star guard would save his shooting for inside the arc once he received a pass off a face cut. Any lazy cross-court passes would be picked off by him on the defensive end and converted into an easy two.
Jordan Davis 6’4 / 180 SF:
Another recruit ready to contribute in the Big Ten. Not only was he saddled with inbound duties for La Crosse Central High School due to his ability to find the cutter with a perimeter pass. He played small forward at La Crosse Central in order to keep him and his brother on the court at the same time. A situation Coach Greg Gard will not be so inclined to do. His experience playing down low on La Crosse Central’s zone defense has given him the experience to contribute in various ways and positions.