Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Why the Badgers will make the Final Four

Yes, you probably think I’m crazy after reading that headline. The Badgers haven’t reached a final four since 2000, which most 90’s kids barely remember — the highlight of 2000 was probably surviving the imminent death of Y2K. Well wouldn’t you know it, the world is supposed to end in 2012 as well, and that’s just the first reason you should bet on the Badgers to make it to New Orleans. There is something about this team that has me picking them to go to the Final Four. As I first filled out my brackets on selection Sunday I found myself picking Florida State out of the East region. Then, it was Syracuse, but after news broke of Fab Melo’s ineligibility, I threw out the Orange’s 31-2 record like any rational person and I went with Cincinnati. Next I tried to figure out how to spell Cincinnati. But each time I penciled in a team to make the final four, I found myself sounding like Chris from Parks and Recreation, incessantly saying: no, Badgers. So here are the five reasons you should have picked the Badgers to make the final four.

1) Improved frontcourt play

Ryan Evans has displayed a silky smooth jumper from mid-range lately, allowing him to utilize his pump fake to get to the rim and draw fouls. In the past ten games, Evans has averaged 13.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. Additionally, Evans has been getting to the line about four times per game, second only to Jordan Taylor over this span. Plus, Evans rocks a sick flat top that will undoubtedly intimidate opponents.

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Jared Berggren, while lacking an intimidating hairdo, has also shown consistent play. Berggren has asserted himself in the post on defense, notching 7 blocks Thursday against Montana. He has gained invaluable experience from defending some of the top post players in the country in Jared Sullinger, Draymond Green and Cody Zeller. Berggren showed the ability to come through in the clutch as he drained a go ahead three against Ohio State to give the Badgers the victory. Berggren’s experience in taking shots under pressure makes him a factor down the stretch, an invaluable tool in the tournament.

Clearly, the ghost of Mike Bruesewitz’s hair has been haunting his shooting for most of the season. But there’s nothing like a trip to New Mexico, the land of enchantment, to reverse this curse. Even if he’s unable to contribute large amounts of offense, Bruesewitz gives the Badgers ample energy and is a rebounding presence inside.

Bruesewitz’s energy and intensity could be the difference in gaining a key loose ball or rebound. If he can start hitting threes, he adds another factor to this Badgers squad.

2) Legitimate threats off the bench

Rob Wilson scored 30 points against Indiana. No one saw that coming. Wilson had been seeing increasing minutes recently and been producing during those minutes, but his explosion of points — a myriad of drives, mid-range shots and threes, showcased the breadth of his game and suggests that Wilson can provide an offensive supplement for the Badgers throughout the tournament.

His outburst has me thinking it’s part of Bo Ryan’s evil plot to give teams another element to plan for during the tourney.

Although the Badgers aren’t deep on the bench, Ben Brust offers another legitimate threat from deep. He showed the ability to light it up from 3-point range early in the season, and if he can get into a rhythm, his marksmanship from deep could provide a spark from the bench that lifts UW through scoring droughts. As the Badgers (hopefully) advance through the tournament, key role players with the ability to hit open threes will allow UW to extend defenses and attack the rim.

3) A good draw in the East region

The East region really lacks any real star power or flash. Without Fab Melo, many are doubting Syracuse’s chances to advance deep into the tourney — evidenced by 16-seed UNC-Asheville nearly knocking off the Orange yesterday, albeit without any help from the refs. Vanderbilt’s potent combination of guard John Jenkins and forward Jeffery Taylor, and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger bring great individual play, but many of the teams in the East aren’t necessarily favorites to make it to the National Championship. Thus, in this wide open region, if the Badgers can string together complete performances within the framework of their particular roles, I think they can make it to New Orleans.

4) This team has proven its mettle

This season the Badgers knocked off a top ten team on the road in Ohio State for the first time since 1980. The Badgers also garnered road wins over Illinois and Purdue and knocked off Indiana in a neutral, but mostly Hoosier supported crowd at the Big Ten Tournament. These road wins provide a solid basis for a deep run into March. Jordan Taylor’s senior leadership and experience could help this team overcome adverse situations as the Badgers face different venues and unique challenges.

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