Wisconsin Basketball Preview: Arkansas State

Wisconsin basketball finally returns tomorrow night! The Badgers begin their 2023-2024 season at the Kohl Center against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The Red Wolves were 13-120 last year and 4-14 in the Sun Belt conference. Can the Badgers begin their quest to the NCAA Tournament on the right foot tomorrow? Here is a preview of tomorrow night’s game. Tip time is 7 PM on BTN Plus.

How Deep Will the Wisconsin Basketball Rotation Be?

Greg Gard could likely go 10-111 guys in his rotation if he wanted to. There are two things we know. First, the starting lineup will be Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit, A.J. Storr, Tyler Wahl, and Steven Crowl. Second, we know Connor Essegian and Nolan Winter are in the rotation. After that, its’s up in the air.

For being the first game, do we see 10-11 players get meaningful minutes? Or does Gard stick with eight or nine? If I had to guess, I would assume Gard goes deep into the bench. I think Gard has to decide if Kamari McGee or John Blackwell will be the backup point guard. With the quick emergence of Nolan Winter, how much time will Carter Gilmore see? I will also be interested to see how much time Isaac Lindsey sees.

Can Wisconsin Basketball Correct What Plagued Them a Season Ago?

Three things prevented the Badgers from making the NCAA Tournament last season. Shot selection, overall shooting, and depth. By the end of the season, players like Connor Essegian was gassed by the NIT Tournament.

I believe Wisconsin basketball has solved the depth issue. This team seems to be better and deeper than they were at any point a season ago. This team also has better shooters than a year ago. They have to show it on the court, but I believe they can solve those issues too.

Prediction

Looking at what the Red Wolves did last year, this team has good guard play and can shoot the three. They return their leading scorer in guard Caleb Fields and Terrance Ford Jr. I think the Red Wolves will rely on those players. I like Wisconsin to defend the guards. Chucky Hepburn and Max Klesmit are both very good defenders.

There doesn’t seem to be a ton of experience at the forward position for Arkansas State. If that’s the case, look for players like Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl to both have good games in the paint.

There’s a lot to like about this Wisconsin team. I think they will be fun to watch and will be a more experienced group. Every game has some growing pains early, but I think the Badgers get over it quick and start the season 1-0.

Wisconsin 75 Arkansas State 55

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