MADISON, Wis. โ The University of Wisconsin is making notable changes to its basketball program, transitioning from its historically slower style to a more dynamic and high-scoring offense, which has led to impressive results on the court.
Wisconsin, currently ranked No. 11 with a record of 21-5 and 11-4 in the Big Ten, is on a five-game winning streak as they prepare for an upcoming home game against Oregon, which holds a 19-8 record and is 8-8 in conference play. This surge has caught the attention of other teams, with Illinoisโ coach Brad Underwood commenting on Wisconsinโs offensive prowess after suffering a 95-74 loss to the Badgers.
Notably, Wisconsinโs recent performances have been remarkable, including a 94-84 victory over then-No. 7 Purdue. It marked the first instance in over 27 years that the Badgers scored over 90 points in consecutive games, which had not happened in back-to-back Big Ten matchups since 1992. During the last 13 conference games, Wisconsin has posted scores of 90 or more points three times. In stark contrast, prior to this period, the team managed only three such high-scoring games over 403 Big Ten matchups.
The Badgers are currently averaging 82 points per game overall, positioning them for their highest scoring average since the 1970-71 season, where they recorded a remarkable 86.3 points per game. Sophomore Nolan Winter, who stands at 7 feet tall, expressed enthusiasm for this transformation, emphasizing how enjoyable it is to participate in a fast-paced and entertaining style of offense.
This offensive shift has not come about due to a change in coaching staff. Head coach Greg Gard has been part of Wisconsin since 2001, beginning as an assistant under Bo Ryan and ascending to head coach in December 2015. His leadership has helped the Badgers secure spots in 23 of the last 25 NCAA Tournaments. Recognizing the need for adaptation, Gard acknowledged that the rules benefiting offensive play necessitated a faster approach. He emphasized that while defense remains crucial, teams progressing deep into the tournament are often those that can score effectively.
The addition of former player Kirk Penney to the coaching staff has also positively impacted the programโs scoring ability. Last season, Wisconsin averaged 74.7 points per game โ its highest in three decades. The current season further showcases the impact of this strategic alteration.
According to analytics provided by Ken Pomeroy, Wisconsin ranks 139th in raw tempo, which gauges possessions per game. In adjusted tempo, they are 184th, indicating how many possessions a team could expect against an average Division I opponent. Although these rankings may not seem particularly impressive, they reflect Wisconsinโs most aggressive style since at least the 1996-97 season. Previously, the Badgers have found themselves ranked over 300 in adjusted tempo for 15 of the last 17 years.
Wisconsinโs improved scoring efficiency is reflected in its adjusted efficiency ranking, now sitting sixth in the nation. This metric evaluates points scored per 100 possessions against an average Division I defense, revealing the teamโs highest scoring efficiency since the 2014-15 season when they led the nation.
Key player contributions have also played a vital role in this success. Sixth-year senior John Tonje, who faced injury challenges last season, has made significant strides, including a standout game where he scored 41 points versus then-No. 9 Arizona. Since that time, he has consistently delivered high-performance games, averaging 25.1 points over the last eight contests, and has notably scored 32 points against Purdue and 31 against Illinois โ a feat not accomplished by a Badger since Michael Finley in the 1993-94 season.
Tonje reflects on the growing chemistry with his teammates, stating that their understanding of each otherโs gameplay has improved, contributing to their rising success. With aspirations for a deeper journey in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where the Badgers have not advanced past the second round since 2017, the focus remains on continued improvement and progression.
Gard emphasizes the need to raise expectations, noting how a motivated and selfless group of players leads to a collective drive to advance further. The team, while acknowledging previous successes, continues to challenge itself to reach even greater heights as they navigate the remainder of the season.