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How are the Wisconsin Badgers always relevant in college basketball? Under Bo Ryan, the Badgers seem to always reload and find themselves in the mix for a Big 10 chamionship. Wisconsin defeated the Marquette Golden Eagles 70-64, and showed the public the Badgers are still the team to beat in the state of Wisconsin. The Badgers were lifted by Sam Dekker‘s 20 points, but it was not a one man show. The five Wisconsin starters accounted for 66 of the team’s 70 points.
The starters have carried this team so far this season, but a lack of depth will definitely hurt the Badgers in big games. Wisconsin basketball is known for being a defensive juggernaut, but will the Badgers be able to whither the storm of high scoring teams this season? The Badgers currently rank 225th in the country in rebounding which is not indicative of a defensive powerhouse. If Wisconsin wants to remain relevant this season, the Badgers will have to prove themselves in an extremely deep conference.
Wisconsin is led by veterans Ben Brust and Frank Kaminsky who have thrived under Ryan, but when will the lack of depth really take a toll on this team? The swing offense has contributed to Wisconsin’s success in the past, but will the new foul rules in college basketball actually be a detriment to this offensive style?
No team will go unscathed in conference play in the Big 10, but success in the conference will go a long way in determining the fate of the each team. Wisconsin’s lack of depth will ultimately lead to the Badger’s demise in both the conference and NCAA tournament.
Greg Douglas is a College Basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @thegpd93 or add him to your Google network.
