As the season-opener for Wisconsin Men’s Basketball lies just 16 days away, Bo Ryan spoke during the team’s annual media day Thursday at the Kohl Center.
Despite losing key contributors in guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes, the 2010-2011 Badgers look poised to continue their trend of outperforming expectation.
If there is one thing that can be said about Bo Ryan’s program, it is that the program takes precedent over the individual. Ryan may not get the top recruits, but he always gets the right ones. In the nine years since he took the helm, this philosophy of team-first, philosophy-based recruiting and coaching has led to an NCAA tourney birth in each year, running the Badgers’ tourney streak to 12, third in the nation to Michigan State’s 15 and Kansas’ 19(?).
Ryan believes that ultimately it is the emphasis on character in recruiting that has been the key to continuing this unprecedented streak. “I firmly believe its your players, “ Ryan argued when asked about the key to this consistency. “Their conversations in the locker room, their camaraderie in the off-season, the idea that they don’t want to let something down.”
While the consistent philosophy of the program certainly gives reason to believe that expectations may once again be exceeded, the loss of both starting guards definitely presents a challenge as Ryan and his staff try to use the pre-season to build up depth at these positions.
Still, Ryan doesn’t think that this is a problem this team cant handle.
“They’ve never ranked our recruiting class so you know we don’t have anyone coming,” Ryan joked.
Among this unheralded recruiting class is 6-3 guard Josh Gasser. Also a high school quarterback, the Port Washington native has made an impression in the early going. “He’s got confidence in his shot,” Ryan pointed out. “Nothing rattles him, that’s what I like about him.”
With Jordan Taylor expected to take the other guard spot, Gasser will definitely be in the conversation as the program tries to fill in the second vacated spot.
Gasser joins 6-10 center Evan Anderson, 6-7 forward Duje Dukan, and 6-1 guard Ben Brust in a freshman class that, while characteristically lacking national attention, is exactly what coach Ryan is looking for.
Though doubts remain and uncertainties abound with this unproven group, the work ethic of the program is as strong as ever.
“If there was an award for the hill,” Ryan said, referring to the team’s famed pre-season conditioning ritual. “We would have won the championship this year.”
With the Big Ten as strong as ever, this work ethic will be crucial as the Badgers try to overcome the loss of two scorers and team leaders in Bohannon and Hughes.
Judging by the expectations of the national media, it would seem that Badger nation is in for a rough season. But then again if the last nine years should have taught us anything, we shouldn’t read much into these so-called “expectations”.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Badgers Spread the Wealth in Exhibition Win
In front of a crowd of over 17,000 UW men’s basketball opened up their 2010-2011 campaign on Saturday as 11 players scored en route to a solid 84-59 victory over UW-LaCrosse on Saturday night.
Despite returning three starters and twelve letter-winners, the focus throughout the pre-season has been on filling the gaps left by the departure of guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes. Although Jordan Taylor is sure to fill in one of the vacated guard positions, the exhibition opener was an opportunity for the coaching staff to get an idea of what they have in their arsenal in trying to fill out that final spot in the lineup.
“I wanted to try and get a look at a lot of people,” Coach Bo Ryan said after the game. “So {the exhibition game} served its purpose.”
Amongst the potential candidates for that final starting job, it was senior Tim Jarmusz who was put in that final spot on Saturday, finishing with 5 points and 5 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
“He didn’t need to get a lot of minutes because he’s had more experience…” Ryan explained. “Tim was solid.”
With junior Rob Wilson limited to just five minutes with a strained hamstring, freshman Josh Gasser got an opportunity to get into the mix, playing 20 minutes and 9 points and 4 rebounds while looking nothing like a freshman in his first college action.
“Doesn’t surprise me that he walked on the court and never changed expressions…” Ryan said. “He’s the kind of player people are going to enjoy seeing around here for four years. He’s a player.”
While the focus in the exhibition opener was obviously on the backcourt, the veteran frontcourt was as solid as expected. Senior Jon Leuer came out strong, putting up 11 points in the first half and 15 overall in a double-double that also included 10 rebounds and 2 assists in just 27 minutes. Leuer used his size advantage, leading a Wisconsin charge inside that had the Badgers outscoring UW-L 32-0 in the paint.
“Our guards and even our big guys did a good job of looking inside,” Leuer said.
Fellow senior Keaton Nankivil started off cold, missing his two shots before recovering to finish 6 for 9 from the floor for 15 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 22 minutes of action.
The domination inside by Wisconsin led to 15 offensive rebounds, softening the blow especially as the Badgers struggled from the field early on.
“A lot of it is just aggression early on, that’s one thing the coaches really try pound in our heads,” Nanikivil said. “It’s a loose ball every time, and when we have players like Mike and Jon who can really hit the glass hard, and Ryan Evans did a good job tonight. At the same time I think it’s going to get a little harder down the road when sizes and that kind of stuff equals out.”
With the regular season looming less than a week away and just one more exhibition contest remaining, the Badgers still have many questions yet to be answered. But remember, this is a Bo Ryan team we are talking and thus early season questions are nothing new.
Despite returning three starters and twelve letter-winners, the focus throughout the pre-season has been on filling the gaps left by the departure of guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes. Although Jordan Taylor is sure to fill in one of the vacated guard positions, the exhibition opener was an opportunity for the coaching staff to get an idea of what they have in their arsenal in trying to fill out that final spot in the lineup.
“I wanted to try and get a look at a lot of people,” Coach Bo Ryan said after the game. “So {the exhibition game} served its purpose.”
Amongst the potential candidates for that final starting job, it was senior Tim Jarmusz who was put in that final spot on Saturday, finishing with 5 points and 5 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
“He didn’t need to get a lot of minutes because he’s had more experience…” Ryan explained. “Tim was solid.”
With junior Rob Wilson limited to just five minutes with a strained hamstring, freshman Josh Gasser got an opportunity to get into the mix, playing 20 minutes and 9 points and 4 rebounds while looking nothing like a freshman in his first college action.
“Doesn’t surprise me that he walked on the court and never changed expressions…” Ryan said. “He’s the kind of player people are going to enjoy seeing around here for four years. He’s a player.”
While the focus in the exhibition opener was obviously on the backcourt, the veteran frontcourt was as solid as expected. Senior Jon Leuer came out strong, putting up 11 points in the first half and 15 overall in a double-double that also included 10 rebounds and 2 assists in just 27 minutes. Leuer used his size advantage, leading a Wisconsin charge inside that had the Badgers outscoring UW-L 32-0 in the paint.
“Our guards and even our big guys did a good job of looking inside,” Leuer said.
Fellow senior Keaton Nankivil started off cold, missing his two shots before recovering to finish 6 for 9 from the floor for 15 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 22 minutes of action.
The domination inside by Wisconsin led to 15 offensive rebounds, softening the blow especially as the Badgers struggled from the field early on.
“A lot of it is just aggression early on, that’s one thing the coaches really try pound in our heads,” Nanikivil said. “It’s a loose ball every time, and when we have players like Mike and Jon who can really hit the glass hard, and Ryan Evans did a good job tonight. At the same time I think it’s going to get a little harder down the road when sizes and that kind of stuff equals out.”
With the regular season looming less than a week away and just one more exhibition contest remaining, the Badgers still have many questions yet to be answered. But remember, this is a Bo Ryan team we are talking and thus early season questions are nothing new.
Mixed Results in Red-White
Back at the Kohl Center, Sunday’s Red-White scrimmage had much more of a game-like feel than last week’s season-opening Fieldhouse Madness.
Keaton Nankivil’s second half performance hammered that feeling home even more. While fellow senior Jon Leuer looked somewhat rusty for the opposing Red squad, Nankivil was in form throughout the 32-minute contest. The Madison native continued his tradition of standout scrimmage performances, leading the way for the third consecutive year with 22 points on 10 of 15 from the field while grabbing 8 rebounds as his White team notched a 65-51 victory.
Despite the individual success, Nankivil was quick to note that Sunday was all about the team.
“I thought our team played very well. We utilized the stuff that Coach Gard gave us…” Nankivil said. “I give a lot of credit to Jordan Taylor and our guards.”
After losing both guards with the departure of Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes, guard play will be a key for the Badgers and today was a big first step toward rebuilding depth in those positions.
Jordan Taylor, the most experienced and clear leader amongst the remaining guards, made his presence felt in all aspects of the game, putting up 9 points on just 4 for 13 from the field but contributing 10 assists and 2 steals to go along with 3 rebounds.
Taylor’s consistency will be crucial in the early part of the year as the younger guards adjust to play at the collegiate level.
“I think we know what we’re gonna get out of Jordan {Taylor},” Nankivil added. “He’s one of the most solid guards in the country. I love playing with him and I think everybody does.”
Lost in the spotlight was Brett Valentyn’s hot hand, as the guard led the White side out to a five-point halftime lead on 4 for 4 from beyond the arc in the first half before adding another three early in the second half to give him 17 points for the game.
On the Red side, Jon Leuer went through stretches looking like the All-America candidate he is projected to be, but struggled for much of the contest. Despite Leuer committing 6 turnovers and going just 4 for 14 from the field, Coach Bo Ryan was quick to warn against an overreaction following this pre-season scrimmage
“Jon I think was trying to do too many things when they got behind…” Ryan said. “I’m glad it happened here.”
Seeing more consistent time than last weekend, the 4 Badger freshman all showed definite signs of improvement. Each got on the board, with center Evan Anderson (white) eventually pacing the group with 6 points despite picking up 5 fouls (no ejections were allowed in the scrimmage). Duje Dukan added 5 for the Red squad to go along with Ben Brust’s 4 and Josh Gasser’s 3-point, 2 assist, 2 steal, and 4 rebound performance.
With the pre-season opener against UW-Lacrosse less than two weeks away, it is clear that the Badgers have yet to fully put all of the pieces together. Still, with Bo Ryan at the helm and a group of players that are meshing perfectly, the progress this team needs to see is certainly within reach.
Keaton Nankivil’s second half performance hammered that feeling home even more. While fellow senior Jon Leuer looked somewhat rusty for the opposing Red squad, Nankivil was in form throughout the 32-minute contest. The Madison native continued his tradition of standout scrimmage performances, leading the way for the third consecutive year with 22 points on 10 of 15 from the field while grabbing 8 rebounds as his White team notched a 65-51 victory.
Despite the individual success, Nankivil was quick to note that Sunday was all about the team.
“I thought our team played very well. We utilized the stuff that Coach Gard gave us…” Nankivil said. “I give a lot of credit to Jordan Taylor and our guards.”
After losing both guards with the departure of Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes, guard play will be a key for the Badgers and today was a big first step toward rebuilding depth in those positions.
Jordan Taylor, the most experienced and clear leader amongst the remaining guards, made his presence felt in all aspects of the game, putting up 9 points on just 4 for 13 from the field but contributing 10 assists and 2 steals to go along with 3 rebounds.
Taylor’s consistency will be crucial in the early part of the year as the younger guards adjust to play at the collegiate level.
“I think we know what we’re gonna get out of Jordan {Taylor},” Nankivil added. “He’s one of the most solid guards in the country. I love playing with him and I think everybody does.”
Lost in the spotlight was Brett Valentyn’s hot hand, as the guard led the White side out to a five-point halftime lead on 4 for 4 from beyond the arc in the first half before adding another three early in the second half to give him 17 points for the game.
On the Red side, Jon Leuer went through stretches looking like the All-America candidate he is projected to be, but struggled for much of the contest. Despite Leuer committing 6 turnovers and going just 4 for 14 from the field, Coach Bo Ryan was quick to warn against an overreaction following this pre-season scrimmage
“Jon I think was trying to do too many things when they got behind…” Ryan said. “I’m glad it happened here.”
Seeing more consistent time than last weekend, the 4 Badger freshman all showed definite signs of improvement. Each got on the board, with center Evan Anderson (white) eventually pacing the group with 6 points despite picking up 5 fouls (no ejections were allowed in the scrimmage). Duje Dukan added 5 for the Red squad to go along with Ben Brust’s 4 and Josh Gasser’s 3-point, 2 assist, 2 steal, and 4 rebound performance.
With the pre-season opener against UW-Lacrosse less than two weeks away, it is clear that the Badgers have yet to fully put all of the pieces together. Still, with Bo Ryan at the helm and a group of players that are meshing perfectly, the progress this team needs to see is certainly within reach.
Ryan Talks Youth at First Weekly Presser
Despite returning three starters and 12 letter-winners from last year’s 24-9 squad, much of the pre-season focus has been on the newcomers to badger basketball.
Still, #24 Wisconsin is faced with the task of finding replacements for two of their three All-Big Ten selections from last season in guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes.
Although junior guard Jordan Taylor, a starter toward the latter part of last year, is likely to be tapped for the starting point, the race for the second guard vacancy is wide open. One player in the mix is freshman Josh Gasser. A former high school quarterback, the 6’3” Port Washington native has impressed coach Bo Ryan throughout pre-season workouts and into the early practice and scrimmage slate.
“Josh Gasser is not 18, or 19. He’s 21, 22,” Ryan said. “The way is sees the floor is maturing.”
While coach Ryan has certainly been impressed by the leadership experience and floor sense of Gasser, he also noted that another freshman, Ben Brust, has been off the charts in his displays of athleticism.
Seen by many as a Bohannon-type player, the former Iowa recruit and late badger pickup has quickly become another potential option as Ryan and the badger coaching staff try to fill the gaping hole in that final guard spot.
“Ben Brust is the fastest guy coming off screens that I’ve ever coached,” the 27-year coaching veteran said. “I’ve had some guys with a little bit of speed, but he’s like a bullet.”
Though the second guard spot is the obvious question mark heading into Saturday’s exhibition opener, the other newcomers are sure to play a pivotal role in supporting a cast of big men that includes returning starters in seniors Keaton Nankavil and Jon Leuer.
One of the question marks among this group is the status of freshman Evan Anderson. The 7-foot Stanley native was thought to be leaning toward redshirting, but coach Ryan was quick to note that Anderson’s work in practice has gotten him to a level where that route is no longer a foregone conclusion.
“Evan Anderson is more physical than we realized…” Ryan said. “You can {now} play in the exhibition games and then decide after those.”
The final piece of the freshman puzzle, 6’8” freshman Duje Dukan, remains a work in progress with tremendous upside.
“Duje is just a colt,” Ryan said. “He’s gonna be a very good player.”
Although this diverse set of newcomers look poised to blend in well with the noted culture of badger basketball, there is sure to be a learning curve, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
“The biggest thing all four of them have to learn is what we do defensively,” Ryan said. “You can always go to a playground, to the open gyms, and you’re fine. Defense is what’s gonna make the difference.”
As the season looms on the horizon, Wisconsin basketball is right on the brink of the national scene, a position this program has grown accustomed to throughout Bo Ryan’s tenure.
Still, #24 Wisconsin is faced with the task of finding replacements for two of their three All-Big Ten selections from last season in guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes.
Although junior guard Jordan Taylor, a starter toward the latter part of last year, is likely to be tapped for the starting point, the race for the second guard vacancy is wide open. One player in the mix is freshman Josh Gasser. A former high school quarterback, the 6’3” Port Washington native has impressed coach Bo Ryan throughout pre-season workouts and into the early practice and scrimmage slate.
“Josh Gasser is not 18, or 19. He’s 21, 22,” Ryan said. “The way is sees the floor is maturing.”
While coach Ryan has certainly been impressed by the leadership experience and floor sense of Gasser, he also noted that another freshman, Ben Brust, has been off the charts in his displays of athleticism.
Seen by many as a Bohannon-type player, the former Iowa recruit and late badger pickup has quickly become another potential option as Ryan and the badger coaching staff try to fill the gaping hole in that final guard spot.
“Ben Brust is the fastest guy coming off screens that I’ve ever coached,” the 27-year coaching veteran said. “I’ve had some guys with a little bit of speed, but he’s like a bullet.”
Though the second guard spot is the obvious question mark heading into Saturday’s exhibition opener, the other newcomers are sure to play a pivotal role in supporting a cast of big men that includes returning starters in seniors Keaton Nankavil and Jon Leuer.
One of the question marks among this group is the status of freshman Evan Anderson. The 7-foot Stanley native was thought to be leaning toward redshirting, but coach Ryan was quick to note that Anderson’s work in practice has gotten him to a level where that route is no longer a foregone conclusion.
“Evan Anderson is more physical than we realized…” Ryan said. “You can {now} play in the exhibition games and then decide after those.”
The final piece of the freshman puzzle, 6’8” freshman Duje Dukan, remains a work in progress with tremendous upside.
“Duje is just a colt,” Ryan said. “He’s gonna be a very good player.”
Although this diverse set of newcomers look poised to blend in well with the noted culture of badger basketball, there is sure to be a learning curve, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
“The biggest thing all four of them have to learn is what we do defensively,” Ryan said. “You can always go to a playground, to the open gyms, and you’re fine. Defense is what’s gonna make the difference.”
As the season looms on the horizon, Wisconsin basketball is right on the brink of the national scene, a position this program has grown accustomed to throughout Bo Ryan’s tenure.
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