First Impressions

It was fantastic to watch the Badgers dispatch of a quality SEC opponent last evening after the first half scare. I remain rather bullish about this team, for its size and quality depth should make it a player atop the BT in what is looking like a lackluster league two weeks into nonconference play.

Stiemsma has made tremendous strides defensively as he remains a tremendous shotblocker, but appears to have shed his tendency to play with his hands and commit stupid fouls. Butch has been a beast on the boards, and Krabby is every bit as rugged on both ends of the floor. The South Dakota native is also an excellent outlet passer and is money on the FT line. Flowers and Hughes are quick on the perimeter, and in total make Bucky a formidable defensive unit.

The two guards are also excellent penetrators on offense, though both need to become better finishers. Butch falls in the same category for a team without a go-to, back-to-the-basket scorer. Landry makes his presence known in waves, but remains absent for significant stretches of games. The team will need consistent scoring from him as the season grows old. The BTN announcers have repeated the notion that the Badgers need a player to emerge who takes the game in his own hands when the team desperately needs a basket, a la Alando Tucker. For better or worse, I think that player is Travon Hughes. He's not afraid to shoot, and is a threat to score from anywhere on the court.

My narrative thus far has only mentioned six players. Bo got solid minutes last night from Gullickson, and I'm hopeful he'll remain part of the rotation if only for his energy and fearlessness on the boards. JBo was quiet last evening as Georgia stretched the floor defensively and provided few wide open looks for a catch and shoot player. His deep threat capacity will be needed, especially when teams employ the zone to stifle the swing offense. I am a fan of nine-man rotations, as is Coach Ryan, and Leuer or Nankivil are the most likely candidates for this cameo. Both may not yet be prepared for primetime, but expect one or both to be ready for significant minutes comes January and the arrival of BT play.