2023-24 Wisconsin Basketball Guard Analysis – BadgerBlitz

MADISON, WI – This season could be aptly titled the changing of the guard at the University of Wisconsin.

With five guards leaving through the transfer window after the end of last season, the Badgers will build a new-look rotation around veterans Max Klesmith and Kamari McGee and future ones John Blackwell when they open their season against Holy Cross at the Kohl Center on Monday.

Here’s a closer look at the nine guards on Wisconsin’s roster and how they could impact the Badgers in 2024-25.

Height: 6-4

Eligibility: Graduated Senior

statistics: 9.9 ppg (43.7 field goal percentage, 39.8 3-pointer), 67 assists, 39 turnovers, 31 steals in 2023-24.

Likely role: Starting lineup

Klesmith was brought on slowly in the preseason while nursing an ankle injury, but showed he hasn’t lost his desire to make shots, finishing through contact, hitting free throw line jumpers in rhythm and making perimeter shots during an open media practice . Exuding confidence while playing fearlessly, Klesmit is the most experienced guard on the roster and will be relied upon heavily.

Height: 6-4

Eligibility: Sophomore

statistics: 8.0 ppg (44.6 goals, 45.5 3s), 21 assists, 27 turnovers, 15 steals in 2023-24.

Likely role: Starting lineup

Blackwell shows similarities to the former lottery pick Johnny Davis was incorporated during his tenure at UW. After getting his feet wet coming off the bench as a freshman, the little knowledge Davis gathered combined with his relentless work ethic led to a jump in his points per game and confidence in a season where he was the conference player of the year.

Head coach Greg Gard has been quick to not peg him as the next Davis, but there’s no question the staff and Blackwell expect a big jump out of him with a recent expanded role working multiple guard positions.

Height: 6-5

Eligibility: Graduated Senior

statistics: 14.6 ppg (45.2 FG, 37.2 3FG), 43 assists, 61 turnovers, 25 steals, 11 blocks in 2022-23.

Likely role: Starting lineup

Of the three transfers Wisconsin added to their program, Tonje is the most experienced (over 130 games played) with the most scoring punch (over 1,000 points scored). With Wisconsin planning to be more aggressive with perimeter shots, having a 6-5 guard who made 61 3-pointers in his final full season in college can’t hurt, especially when that number would have been second best on last year’s roster of the Badgers.

Tone isn’t afraid to shoot when he’s open. In Wednesday’s showcase against UW-River Falls, his 11 attempts were the most among guards and his seven three-point attempts were a team-best. His biggest weakness is learning Wisconsin’s defensive tendencies, as he was slow to guard balls and switches against the Falcons.

Height: 6-0

Eligibility: Senior

statistics: 2.1 ppg (54.3 FG, 27.3 3FG), 11 assists, 8 turnovers, 13 steals in 2023-24.

Likely role: reserve

Gard told the media on Oct. 15 that McGee stood out from the other point guards on the roster because of how consistently he played the point guard position. He may see situational starts this season, but the coaching staff likes McGee to be a burst of energy coming off the bench. His stats were impressive in the exhibition – five points, four rebounds, six assists, no turnovers, one steal and one block in over 23 minutes on the floor. UW may need him to shoot more (one FG attempt, two free throws), but his steady play and aggressive defense make him invaluable to the roster.

Height: 6-2

Eligibility: Junior

statistics: 16.9 ppg (42.3 FG, 31.1 3FG), 118 assists, 83 turnovers, 45 steals, 17 blocks in 2022-23.

Likely role: reserve

Directly after Chucky HepburnThe sudden transfer Hunter had some challenges transitioning to Wisconsin’s system during the offseason, according to Gard, but began to practice better in September. He still appears behind McGee in the rankings, but Hunter has some intangibles that UW will need, especially from an offensive standpoint.

Height: 6-5

Eligibility: Redshirt Freshman

statistics: No college appearances

Likely role: reserve

The departure of guards from last year’s lineup has cleared the way for Janicki to play a hard-nosed style that is noticeable and necessary. Janicki is active on both ends of the floor and creates loud/dirty plays that don’t show up in the field score. Considering UW will likely shoot more from the perimeter, Janicki scoring more than 2,000 points in high school doesn’t hurt.

Height: 6-2

Eligibility: Freshman

statistics: 26 ppg, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2.5 steals per game in 23-24 Minneapolis Breck

Likely role: reserve

One of Wisconsin’s top-rated guards, Freitag is the future of the position. There will be some bumps along the way, evidenced by his one-point performance and four turnovers in Wednesday’s exhibition. However, Freitag does things that can’t be taught with how he plays physically and his burst with the ball in or out of his hands.

Height: 6-4

Eligibility: Junior

statistics: 0.0 ppg in six appearances in 2023-24

Likely role: Scout team

The head coach’s son, Isaac appeared in the fewest games of last year’s roster (six, 5:29 played) and didn’t score a goal. He played just 46 seconds on Wednesday and will only make substitute appearances this season.

Height: 6-2

Eligibility: Freshman

statistics: 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals per game at Sussex (Wis.) Hamilton

Likely role: Red shirt

Wisconsin’s only offseason addition, Konop will fill the void left by previous scout team additions Ross Candelino and Luke Hertle.

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