The Wisconsin Badgers senior guard Traevon Jackson will lace up his sneakers today in hopes his practice session turns up without incident, allowing him to take part in UW’s Sweet 16 matchup against North Carolina.
Jackson hasn’t played in almost two months, while nursing a broken bone in his foot which required surgery after Wisconsin’s loss on the road in Rutgers this past January.
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Although doctors cleared the point guard for action over a week ago, Jackson himself said he still didn’t feel comfortable, and didn’t want to push the issue just yet.
Going into Wisconsin’s opening round game, Bo Ryan ruled Jackson out for the weekend, saying they’d hope to have him back if they made it to the round of 16.
There is no doubt Bronson Koenig has been a solid replacement for Jackson, showcasing his offensive skill set and posting a 3-to-1 assist to turnover ration through the past two months without Jackson.
Getting Jackson back though adds to a bench that already showcases both Duje Dukan and Zak Showalter who’ve had their stints of solid play for the Badgers.
The Badgers are scheduled to hit the hardwood from 2:10 p.m. to 3 p.m. (PT) at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. This event is free and open to the public, allowing fans a sneak-peek at the Badgers as they prepare for tomorrow night’s game.
Players will be available to media after the practice, as will head coach Bo Ryan who will likely have more information on Jackson’s situation moving forward.
Before going down with his injury, Jackson started all 17 games for Wisconsin who had been interrupted just once in the win column until then.
His shooting accuracy was the best of his career to that point, knocking in shots at just over 45% from the floor. He also led UW with 49 assists on the season at that point.
Jackson was also close to perfection at the charity stripe, knocking in 35 of his 41 attempts.
Jackson was showing signs this season of coming into his own, offensively. He scored a career-high 25 points, 17 in the second half alone, and tied a career-high with three 3-pointers vs. Duke in December.
PEP RALLY SET FOR TONIGHT
Also, on Wednesday evening, the UW Athletic Department will host a free NCAA Basketball Pep Rally from 6pm to 8 p.m. (PT) at the LA Hotel Downtown.
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Staged pool-side at the hotel (off the main lobby), this event will allow Badger fans the opportunity get ready for the big game while enjoying the warmth of a southern California evening.
Fans in attendance will receive a limited edition “Make `em Believe” t-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, the pep rally will include entertainment from the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger at 7 p.m.
Then on Thursday, March 26, send the team off in style as they depart for their regional game vs. North Carolina. At approximately 3 p.m., join the UW Band, Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger in the lobby of the LA Hotel Downtown on 333 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.
(Courtesy Of UWBadgers.com)