Why Wisconsin is a Legitimate Threat

One of the most overlooked teams of this years tournament is the Wisconsin Badgers.

After starting off the season with a 16 game win streak, the Badgers went on to lose three straight in conference play, and ultimately finish with an overall record of 26-7.

The Badger’s season came to an abrupt holt last week after their depressing loss to #1 Michigan State in the BIG10 conference tournament semifinals. Although they certainly weren’t predicted to win the match-up, many fans and believers knew they needed this victory to make a name for themselves.

Wisconsin averaged 73.5 points-per-game this season, which ranked them 92nd in the country. The Badgers also averaged 12.1 assists-per-game placing them 216th nationally. These stats are eye-opening considering Wisconsin is a team that prides itself on it’s classic style, high scoring offense.

Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky goes in for a lay-up against rival
Michigan in a BIG10 matchup. (Sports Illustrated)

Led by key players like forwards Junior Frank Kaminsky (13.6 ppg), and Sophomore Sam Dekker (16.2 reb) the Badgers have one of the most powerful rosters, with bragging rights to arguably the most roster depth of any team in this years tournament.

Wisconsin’s path to the final four already looks very challenging. They open the tournament against the Patriot Conference champion American University Eagles (20-12). In order to win the west region, the Badgers will have to most likely have to play the #7 Oregon Ducks, and would also possibly have to take on both the powerful #3 Creighton Bluejays and even the #1 Arizona Wildcats.

The Wisconsin Badgers are arguably the best #2 seed in the entire tournament, and the only way for them to prove their value would be to endure their tough tournament schedule and provide the fans, and the pundits, with proof of how good they actually are.

For more information see:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/275/wisconsin-badgers
http://college-basketball.si.com/2014/03/18/ncaa-tournament-team-previews-wisconsin-badgers/