R U Still Down?

Scarface - Emeritus

Every year it baffles me how unnoticed the early portion of the college basketball season goes. The average fan doesn't seem to have a pulse on things until after the New Year, once conference play is underway. By average fan I don't just mean the casual observers, but plenty of folks who are fully immersed in the season once February and March hit. The last couple of months of the season are as good as it gets in sports, but that doesn't mean the early schedule should be ignored. With a glut of interesting non-conference matchups and tournaments, it's not too late to wake up and enjoy the entirety of the season.

For those of us with a rooting interest in Wisconsin sports specifically, we should be embracing any and all college ball. The Pack are done folks, let that shit go. UW will cap off a highly disappointing football season in a few weeks, but shouldn't command much more than those few hours of your life in the meantime. Let's instead stop fuckin around and look at UW bball. Leading off the Big 10-ACC Challenge in grand fashion, UW escaped a furious rally at Va. Tech with a victory behind a last second shot by Trevon Hughes. Here's the call from Matt Lepay, one of the best around:



Here's the spectacular video:



Off to a 6-1 start (the lone loss coming to #2 UCONN), it should be a fun year for all involved. While the remainder of the non-conference schedule has a handful of the typical tuneup games, they play @ Marquette on Saturday and host Texas on Dec. 23. If you are not up on these games, please don't bother with the rest of the season. The Big 10 opener comes on New Years Eve (1 PM) @ Michigan. With all of that in mind, let's take a closer look at this (mostly) young roster:

Rotation:

• PG: Trevon Hughes (Junior) - Off to a very nice start this year, playing generally very controlled ball and hitting some huge shots. When he plays well we got a shot against most. Bo still hasn't quite handed over the reigns a la Devin Harris, but he's on his way.

• SG: Jason Bohannon (Junior) - A couple nice games but has largely struggled with his shot. I expect it to come around eventually, but without his shooting he don't bring a ton to the table.

• SF: Joe Krabbenhoft (Senior) - As always, does some of everything very well...except consistent scoring and perimeter shooting. Look folks, he ain't Mike Miller, it's time to move on from that comparison. Hasn't quite stepped up into that defensive stopper role vacated by Michael Flowers, but as important as anyone to their success this year.

• PF: Marcus Landry (Senior) - Playing the best and most consistent ball of his career. Off to a torrid start shooting 3s and blocking shots. Some would like to see him average 18-20 ppg, but he has never been selfish enough to do that. As long as he takes over when he needs to, I'm cool wit it.

• C: Keaton Nankivil (Sophomore) - Coming off a mostly wasted Freshman season, dude has shown some flashes but hasn't had a large impact. Projecting as a similar style player to Mike Wilkinson, I like his potential and length but it may not be til next year that he puts up some consistent numbers

• 6th: Jon Leuer (3-5, Sophomore) - Had some huge games this year and can score from pretty much anywhere on the court. Will present matchup problems for almost any team he plays and along with Hughes probably projects better than anyone on the team at the NBA level.

• 7th: Tim Jarmusz (2-3, Sophomore) - Similar to Krabbenhoft in that he does some of everything, but unlike Krabby gives you a nice perimeter shot. Get ready to see plenty of him over the next couple of years, as the announcers fawn over his toughness and intangibles.

• 8th: Jordan Taylor (1, Freshman) - Plays more minutes at PG than I'd expect from a Freshman. Well-built and a good defender. Smart offensively and has flashed some skills, but struggled with UCONN's pressure and has yet to hit his jumper consistently.

• 9th: Rob Wilson (2-3, Freshman) - Rounding out this 9-man rotation, Wilson has been fun to watch and could easily project as one of the main offensive pieces for years to come. Fearless going to the hoop and always aggressive (sometimes to the point of being out of control), Bo has also shown faith in Rob's jumper, running set plays for him. Fun.

Ummm...Projects and Other

• Kevin Gullikson (4-5, Senior) - Uncle L's favorite, Gullikson has literally barely played since his mutliple run-ins with the popo. He came into this season in the best shape of his career (cut down on the beer, been drinkin only vodka waters), but has seemingly finally been passed up by the scholarship players (he was, after all, a walk-on).
  
• Ian Markolf (5, Freshman) - Big haus from San Antone, TX who has already played, thus won't be redshirting. Maybe some spot minutes to eat some fouls, but see ya in a year or two buddy.
• Jared Berggren (4-5, Freshman) - Another big, white dude, this one from Minny. On track to potentially redshirt.
• JP Gavinski (5, Sophomore) - Having been in the program going on 3 years now, my hopes are not high for ol' JP. Upon reading last year that coaches were encouraged that he made it up and down the court a few times without having to be pulled, i kinda gave up. He is a lefty though, so I respect it.
• Ryan Evans (2-3, Freshman) - Great athlete outta AZ, but will be redshirting. Look for some dunking from him down the line.
• Wquinton Smith (1, Sophomore) - A very short walk-on, similar to old pal Tanner. I'm pretty sure he'll never log minutes in a NCAA tournament game though.
• Brett Valentyn (2, Sophomore) - Reminds me of Bret "The Hitman" Hart. All I got.
• Morris Cain (2-3, Senior) - The end of a long line of Nicolet athletes at UW that shouldn't ever play (BJ Tucker, Tanner, okay kinda short line). Reminds me of Michael Redd in every sense but the ability to play basketball.

For more on UW bball throughout the year, peep The Chris West Baskeball Journal and Hoops Marinara.