Scouting report: Wisconsin Badgers
By Jay Bilas
Special to ESPN.com
Wisconsin is a disciplined team, both offensively and defensively. The Badgers run an offense that is mostly motion, with some set plays incorporated into it. Dick Bennett employs what he calls a "Blocker-Mover" offense, or "Runners and Blockers." It is a triangle-type offense that employs two or three blockers, or screeners, to set picks for the remaining movers or runners. The movers or runners receive screendowns, backpicks and flair screens and look to make basket cuts after passing the ball.
The Badgers' blockers set screens, and sometimes slip those screens, post up and go to the offensive boards. Wisconsin uses a lot of screen and re-screen action, so defenders must be aware at all times. The picks are physical, and those players using the screens come off them hard and make very good reads based upon how they are being played. All five guys on the floor move without the ball, and the Badgers send three guys to the offensive glass. Wisconsin's offense is deliberate and patient, and they run time off the clock on every possession.
On defense, Wisconsin is very physical and gets back well in transition. The Badger defenders are very good at being there on the catch, staying in front of the person they are guarding and trying to contain penetration. Wisconsin does not put a lot of pressure on the ball, but will deny the entry pass, show and recover on pick and rolls, and double team in the post, often from the opposite post.
To beat Wisconsin, you must be patient on the offensive end. You cannot take quick shots without making passes, or you will spend the majority of the game on defense. Wisconsin does not beat itself.
Mike Kelley: Outstanding defender who is also a primary ballhandler. Physical and unrelenting, Kelley makes you pay for each mistake. Good hands, and has very good anticipation skills for both man and ball. Capable spot-up shooter who must be made to put it on the floor. A good passer who does not turn the ball over.
Jon Bryant: Very good long-range shooter with a quick release. Cannot let him get his feet set or he will drill shots. Must make him make plays on the move, and must challenge all shots without fouling. Good defender, but can be exploited on drives.
Duany Duany: Good shooter when given time, and can finish on the break. Looks to leak out early on the break, and plays his best when he gets off early. Cannot let him get anything easy.
Roy Boone: Best athlete on the squad, and can finish around the basket and in transition. Very good on-the-ball defender, and a good rebounder for a guard. Looks to drive first, shoot second. Capable of making big momentum-shifting plays. Must keep a body on him on every possession. Unafraid of contact.
Charlie Wills: Very physical and a good screener who looks for his offense as soon as the pick is set. Runs the court and rebounds well on the defensive end. Cannot let him have open shots from 15 feet.
Maurice Linton: Can shoot face-up jumpshot and goes to the offensive glass. Runs the court and can hit shots out to 15 feet. His offense comes from garbage, but he is confident and strong-minded.
Mark Vershaw: Gifted offensive player who is also a very skilled passer. Looks for Andy Kowske underneath, and can step out and hit from deep. Very physical, goes to the defensive glass every time. Strong offensive rebounder who will move you around down low. Good post moves, and unfazed by physical battles.
Andy Kowske: Tough and hard-nosed. Very good on the offensive boards, and has good hands. Finishes around the basket, runs the court and can play with his back to the basket. Likes the turnaround jumpshot. Must be blocked out on every possession. |
