With the long offseason slowly winding toward the eventual intensity of the 2025-26 college basketball season, the Wisconsin Badgers offered an early glimpse into what could be a transformative year. Over the past two weeks, the team opened its doors for summer practice sessions, allowing media, fans, and analysts a rare early look at the evolving squad. These initial practices, while far from final evaluations, served as a crucial first checkpoint for a program ushering in a substantial wave of new talent.
Under the guidance of head coach Greg Gard, the Badgers are seeking to bounce back—or perhaps elevate further—from a previous campaign that saw both promise and areas needing refinement. With nine fresh additions to the roster, including a mix of experienced transfers and promising freshmen, these practices were more than just warm-ups; they were the first signs of chemistry, identity, and competitive spirit in a retooled team.
Let’s dive deep into the core takeaways, player developments, tactical implications, and broader context surrounding this pivotal early moment in the Badgers’ 2025 journey.
Section 1: Understanding the Offseason Overhaul
1.1 Transfer Portal Activity: Strategic Additions
In the era of the transfer portal, roster transformation has become almost routine across college basketball, and Wisconsin was no exception. The Badgers tapped into the portal to secure five incoming players, each bringing a specific skill set designed to bolster weaknesses or complement existing strengths.
- Nick Boyd (PG): A savvy point guard known for pace, court vision, and scoring efficiency. His experience and high basketball IQ are expected to add an edge to the Badgers’ backcourt.
- Andrew Rohde (Wing): A sharpshooter with deep range and the ability to thrive in both transition and half-court settings.
- Austin Rapp (Forward): A mobile frontcourt option capable of stretching defenses and finishing through contact.
- Braeden Carrington (Guard): Another perimeter threat with a defensive motor and a penchant for hustle plays.
- Elijah Gray (Forward): A strong, physical post player who provides rebounding and toughness in the paint.
Each of these transfers has the potential to immediately impact Wisconsin’s rotation. More importantly, they all bring experience, which means fewer growing pains despite being new to the system.
1.2 Freshman Class: Building for the Future
Alongside the transfers, the Badgers welcomed four freshmen:
- Zach Kinziger (Guard)
- Hayden Jones (Guard)
- Will Garlock (Forward/Center)
- Aleksas Bieliauskas (Forward; not present during first practice)
While the incoming freshmen might not all contribute immediately, early signs—especially from Garlock—indicate that at least one or two could earn minutes sooner than expected. These newcomers are part of a longer-term strategy to sustain success over multiple seasons, ensuring a strong developmental pipeline under Gard.
Section 2: Core Returners – Continuity and Leadership
2.1 Blackwell’s Return a Major Win
One of the biggest victories for Wisconsin this offseason wasn’t an external acquisition—it was the retention of John Blackwell. After testing the NBA Draft process, the junior guard chose to return to Madison, a decision that not only keeps a proven scorer on the roster but also sets the tone for leadership.
During the first open practice, Blackwell showcased precisely why his presence is invaluable. With deft footwork, poise under pressure, and the ability to hit contested shots, he demonstrated that he’s more than ready to elevate his role.
Analyst Payne Blazevich, in attendance, noted how Blackwell efficiently navigated space, knocked down tough jumpers, and played through contact—offering a mature and composed performance emblematic of a future All-Big Ten selection.
2.2 Supporting Cast Returning with Developmental Upside
Alongside Blackwell, a few other returning names are worth spotlighting:
- Nolan Winter: A big man with potential, Winter continues to grow into a more assertive frontcourt presence. His physicality and rim protection were noted during drills and scrimmages.
- Jack Janicki and Jack Robison: Wings who offer versatility and shooting, both are looking to earn increased roles this season.
- Riccardo Greppi and Isaac Gard: Depth pieces, with Gard being a walk-on, both players bring effort and could contribute in niche scenarios.
Together, this returning core will help integrate the newcomers and ensure that the team culture remains intact amid transition.
Section 3: Practice Highlights and Player Spotlights
3.1 Nick Boyd – The Engine in the Backcourt
Nick Boyd’s performance during the early practices stood out in every measurable way. His speed, aggression, and vision were on full display. Whether it was threading passes through tight windows, attacking the rim with confidence, or organizing offensive sets, Boyd looked every bit like a player ready to lead.
Blazevich emphasized Boyd’s energy as a critical differentiator. The senior’s ability to transition quickly from defense to offense, as well as his penchant for pushing the pace, fits perfectly into Gard’s evolving scheme.
His highlight-reel no-look pass to Rohde for a corner three was a snapshot of what Badgers fans hope to see consistently: dynamic, flowing basketball, driven by a smart floor general.
3.2 John Blackwell – Rising Star, Relentless Scorer
As noted, Blackwell’s shot creation and finishing ability were arguably the most polished elements on display. In half-court sets, he found ways to get open against aggressive defenders, using both off-ball movement and shot fakes.
He also showed growth in his ability to absorb contact and finish through it—traits essential for a lead guard in the Big Ten. His perimeter shot looked fluid, even against tight closeouts, signaling a player who’s ready to become the Badgers’ offensive focal point.
3.3 Andrew Rohde – Deadly from Distance
Rohde was the standout shooter during practice, knocking down five triples in rhythm and with confidence. Known for his 41.3% shooting from deep last season, he’s projected to be a go-to floor spacer in both set plays and broken transitions.
His quick release and ability to find the open spot on the floor make him an ideal complement to ball-dominant players like Boyd and Blackwell. Look for him to feast on kick-out passes and off-screen motion sets throughout the season.
3.4 Braeden Carrington – Effort and Versatility
Though less flashy than Rohde, Carrington’s impact lies in his hustle, defensive effort, and timely shooting. He fits the mold of a “glue guy”—one who might not lead in scoring but contributes across every column in the box score.
His ability to defend multiple positions and hit open threes makes him a reliable rotational piece who could close games depending on matchups.
3.5 Austin Rapp and Will Garlock – Frontcourt Promise
With several veteran bigs departing, the Badgers need their new forwards to step up. Rapp’s athleticism and transition finishing were evident, as he used his frame to convert a few strong inside plays. Garlock, meanwhile, impressed with his hustle, crashing the boards and turning second-chance opportunities into points.
If Winter continues his upward trajectory and either Rapp or Garlock solidify consistent production, Wisconsin’s frontcourt might quietly become a strength.
Section 4: Tactical Observations – What the Practice Revealed
4.1 Transition Emphasis
One of the clearest philosophical shifts evident from the practice was the emphasis on pace. Wisconsin’s offense in recent years has leaned more methodical and deliberate, but early signs suggest a desire to speed things up. Boyd’s push-the-pace mentality and the influx of shooters like Rohde and Carrington are ideally suited for quick-hit attacks.
This doesn’t mean Wisconsin is abandoning structure, but rather adapting to modern offensive principles: maximize spacing, capitalize on transition mismatches, and reward aggressive shot-taking.
4.2 Defense: Pressure on the Ball
With guards like Boyd and Carrington, the Badgers might look to employ more ball pressure and aggressive perimeter defense. Blackwell’s strength and lateral quickness further allow for switch-heavy schemes, something that could serve them well against elite guard play in the Big Ten.
Interior defense remains a question, but Winter’s physical development and Garlock’s energy could mitigate rim protection concerns.
4.3 Shooting Depth and Floor Spacing
This is likely the best-shooting roster Wisconsin has had in years. Rohde, Carrington, Blackwell, and even some of the freshmen bring legitimate three-point threats. The spacing this creates should benefit slashers like Boyd and allow for dynamic two-man game opportunities in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop situations.
Section 5: Broader Program Outlook
5.1 Culture and Identity
Head coach Greg Gard has long emphasized toughness, discipline, and execution. With this mix of veterans and new blood, the coaching staff appears to be striking a balance between tradition and innovation. There’s a palpable energy around the program that suggests both buy-in and internal competition.
Returning players understand the expectations, while newcomers bring urgency to prove their worth. That environment fosters growth and prevents complacency.
5.2 Recruiting Momentum
This offseason class sends a message: Wisconsin is serious about maintaining a competitive roster in the NIL and transfer era. By effectively leveraging both incoming freshmen and experienced transfers, the Badgers show they’re not only surviving the new college basketball landscape—they’re adapting to thrive in it.
Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities
The Wisconsin Badgers’ first open practices of the summer provided more than just early impressions—they offered a sneak peek into a program on the rise, with a roster that combines proven leadership, skilled newcomers, and tactical flexibility.
Nick Boyd’s command, John Blackwell’s shot-making, Rohde’s sniping, and the emergence of forwards like Rapp and Garlock all point to a team that’s deep, dynamic, and ready to compete. Challenges will come, and not all roles are set in stone, but the foundation is there.
As the 2025-26 season draws nearer, fans in Madison have plenty of reason to be excited. If these early practices are any indication, the Badgers are ready to make noise—not just in the Big Ten, but nationally.
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