The UW men’s basketball team is off to an inspiring start, winning their first two exhibition games. This weekend they will open the 2002-2003 regular season when they host the NABC Classic at the Kohl Center.

With the return of three starters from last season, the Badgers have the edge they need to be a contender once again in the Big Ten conference. Mike Wilkinson, Dave Mader, Devin Harris, Freddie Owens and Kirk Penney are the likely starters this season and have gotten used to playing well together. The Badgers have also added new and upcoming freshmen that will help give UW a spark off the bench and more possible ways to score on offense.

Something might change for Bo Ryan this year: after giving only seven players significant minutes last season, the Badgers may use up to nine players this season. Last season, Devin Harris was the outstanding true freshman. This year, there are four freshmen who should see considerable court time: Andreas Helmigk, Ray Nixon, Alando Tucker and Boo Wade.

These freshmen have become more comfortable going into the games and are showing more confidence in their playing ability. Although the freshmen have displayed some nerves in the first couple games, they are coming along, according to Ryan.

“They just didn’t want to trip over the sticky shoe wipe in front of the scorers’ table,” Ryan said. “Just the way all freshmen bounced up and were ready to go into the game a little more relaxed with a better feel.”

From the first two exhibition games, these freshmen have proved that they are ready to be the go-to guys. The first is Andreas Helmigk. After being redshirted last season due to early knee injury, he is now good as new, helping out the Badgers wherever possible. He scored nine points on 4-6 shooting in 15 minutes vs. Gallos de Pelea in UW’s final exhibition game.

Ray Nixon was second-team all-state selection as a senior at Whitefish Bay Dominican HS. He scored seven points on 3-6 shooting in 20 minutes of action during the exhibition games.

Alando Tucker was the second-leading scorer for the Badgers during exhibition season, averaging 12.0 points. He was 8-16 from the field and 7-8 from the free-throw line and added 5.5 rebounds. Tucker is a good athlete with an outstanding leaping ability, and coach Bo Ryan might want to use Tucker in more than one position.

“Alando might be able to play two, three positions.” Ryan said. “He has made good decisions with the ball so far.”

Ryan sees many of his players this year as versatile and feels that they are going to be able to help out in whatever position is needed.

Finally, Boo Wade averaged five points in 16 minutes coming off the bench in the exhibition games. He also added three steals in the Gallos de Pelea game.

The Badgers look forward to starting their season this weekend after coming off two-straight wins. The Badgers’ youth is only to be used as an advantage, and these four freshmen are growing more confident after each game.