Wisconsin can finally shove their dreadful 2017-18 into the toilet and look ahead to 2018-19.
[divider]
GET A 50% DEPOSIT BONUS UP TO $1000!
Use the promo code HeroSports to get your 50% Bonus
[divider]
Wisconsin missed the NCAA Tournament and failed to top 15 wins for the first time in 20 years. They were not ranked in the AP poll at any point for the first time in 16 years and didn't finish in the top four of the Big Ten for the first time in 17 years. Regression was expected following the departures of Bronson Koenig, Nigel Hayes and others, but no one saw a 12-win dip coming, even if it was injury-filled.
MORE: Minnesota's Projected '18-19 Rotation
Now Greg Gard will pick up the pieces and begin preparation for a return to the dance in 2019 with almost the exact same roster. Here's a look at Wisconsin's projected rotation for 2018-19.
[divider]
Starters
F – Ethan Happ
Happ needs a better backcourt — and some attitude — to thrive.
While many of his averages improved, his efficiency numbers dipped across the board, including combined fouls and turnovers per game (5.6). He said he's planning to test the draft waters but doesn't want to be a second-round pick, which seems highly likely.
F – Nate Reuvers
A four-star member of last year's class, Nate Reuvers will compete with Aleem Ford for Ford's starting spot. Reuvers is far more talented and Ford did nothing to prove he has any grip on big minutes next year.
G – Khalil Iverson
Khalil Iverson didn't have the breakout year everyone expected.
The 6-foot-5 junior crashes the boards and has quick hands defensively but can't shoot from beyond the arc (0-for-24) and commits way too many turnovers for a non-point guard (2.1 per game). That needs to change if he expects to earn 25-plus minutes again.
G – Brad Davison
Another four-star 2018 recruit, Brad Davison started six games alongside D'Mitrik Trice but was pressed into point guard duty when Trice was lost for the season.
He'll move off the ball next season.
G – D'Mitrik Trice
Wisconsin wasn't great before Trice was lost with a foot injury but is a real point guard, something they desperately needed throughout the season.
[divider]
Bench
F – Aleem Ford
After starting 20 games as a redshirt freshman, Aleem Ford is not a lock to start next year unless Happ leaves early.
The 6-foot-8, 215-pounder shot just 39 percent from the floor and grabbed fewer than one rebound per eight minutes played.
F – Taylor Currie
The 44th-ranked power forward in the 2018 class, Taylor Currie also carried offers from Michigan and Xavier. He's 6-foot-8 but just 200 pounds, therefore could be a redshirt candidate as his body gets ready for the college game.
G – Kobe King
Like Trice, freshman guard Kobe King played just 10 games before being lost for the season with a knee injury.
A true shooting guard with good size (6-foot-4, 203 pounds) and range, don't be surprised if King cracks the starting lineup at some point during the season.
G – Brevin Pritzl
Wisconsin's fourth-leading scorer and 20-game starter will likely be shoved to the bench.
After a quiet freshman campaign, Brevin Pritzl averaged 9.1 points in 29 points but, like most of the Badgers, was shockingly inefficient, shooting just 40 percent.
