MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – An inflatable replica of the future USS Wisconsin submarine was on display Friday at the Duck Pond, giving families and children a look at the vessel set to carry the state’s name.

The inflatable model is approximately one-eleventh the size of the actual submarine, which will measure more than 550 feet in length. The USSBN 827 Wisconsin is a Columbia-class submarine that began construction in 2025.

Jeff Davis, a board member of the USSBN 827 Wisconsin Submarine association, said the group is working to raise awareness about the submarine and build a connection between Wisconsin residents and the crew.

“We are currently promoting the building of the USS Wisconsin, the next SSBN in the District of Columbia class,” Davis said. “This is the latest technology; it started being built last year. The point of us is to build the awareness that we have this submarine named after the state of Wisconsin. And build a relationship between the citizens of Wisconsin and the crew that’s going to operate this submarine.”

Davis said the effort extends beyond awareness.

“It’s a great way to get excited about engineering. It’s a great way to get excited about being part of the Navy or any of the armed forces,” Davis said. “And basically, being a part of supporting our nation.”

Construction on the submarine is expected to be completed around 2028. Following completion, the vessel will undergo a christening — when it is placed in the water — followed by approximately two years of testing before being commissioned into service.

Once commissioned, the submarine is expected to remain in service for roughly 42 years. The association said it plans to remain involved with the vessel through its eventual decommissioning.

The inflatable replica is scheduled to make additional stops at parades and outreach events throughout the summer. For more information on where to see the inflatable sub, check out their website USSWisconsinsub.org.

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After being selected No. 53 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Ugonna Onyenso signed a two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons.

Amid speculation of a possible Jalen Duren departure, the Detroit Pistons signed recent No. 53 overall pick Ugonna Onyenso to a two-way contract following the 2026 NBA Draft. Considering Detroit finished atop the Eastern Conference last year, playing time may be tough to come by for Onyenso; however, that doesn’t change his status as an intriguing prospect.

Despite nearly falling out of the draft entirely, the Virginia product was viewed as one of the top shot-blocking prospects, standing at 7’0″ with a 7’5″ wingspan. Last season in the ACC, Onyenso had a block percentage of 17.4 and averaged 2.9 blocks in less than 20 minutes per game. In the ACC Tournament, Onyenso gained notariety for his defensive prowess, averaging seven blocks per game in a three-game span, including nine blocks against Cameron Boozer and Duke.

For these reasons, Onyenso has potential to carve out a solid career as a defensive specialist if given the opportunity.

With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.

This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.