Dec 31, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) attempts to move the ball around Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (left) at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin defeated Penn State 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
The Wisconsin Badgers and the Kentucky Wildcats square off in the 2015 Final Four, just one season removed from when the two teams met in the same spot a year ago, in a Final Four game that came down to a last-second shot from the Wildcats’ Aaron Harrison over the outstretched arms of Wisconsin’s Josh Gasser.
While Kentucky went on to face the eventual-champion Connecticut Huskies, Wisconsin went home to think about a return trip to the Final Four.
Well, that part is checked off of the list, and this year the Badgers are back in the Final Four and are looking to even the score and make it to the National Championship.
Wisconsin Badgers
Despite Kentucky’s unblemished record and highly talented roster, many people, including myself, think that Wisconsin has a very good shot to take down Goliath. But there is no sane Badgers fan who thinks Wisconsin will blow out Kentucky.
The Wildcats have just been too good to think a blowout is in the question.
No, the more likely scenario is a 1-possession game, similar to last year’s prequel. The way these two teams have looked throughout the season and the tournament, should we really expect anything less?
If it comes down to Wisconsin needing someone to step up and nail a big-time shot, Bo Ryan has a hard decision to make. Traevon Jackson, Bronson Koenig, Josh Gasser, Sam Dekker, and Frank Kaminsky are all viable options.
Several have hit huge shots in the past, some even in this tournament. All have upsides and downsides, and each could be an option considering multiple end-of-game situations.
Lets take a look at the pros and cons of all five candidates, read the verdict, and then vote for whom you want to take the shot.
Next: Traevon Jackson?