How Good Can Wisconsin Basketball’s Ethan Happ Be?

What can we expect out of Wisconsin basketball freshman Ethan Happ?

Even though the team is struggling, Wisconsin Basketball fans have to be very happ-y (sorry, please keep reading) with redshirt freshman Ethan Happ’s season.

More badgers: Opportunity Knocking for Young Wisconsin Basketball Team

Happ has averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, a solid stat-line that keeps getting better as the season progresses. He is coming off his career high point total of 20 at Penn State, where he also recorded his 7^th double-double of the season. He is on pace to be the most productive freshman the Wisconsin Basketball program has ever seen.

Oh yeah, and this happ-ened (last one, I promise) against Michigan State last Sunday…

But as good as Happ has been, the best part is that he still has so much room to grow. He has barely cracked the surface of his potential.

More from Wisconsin Basketball

Happ is producing at such a high level, yet he cannot shoot. When he first came to Wisconsin, the coaching staff decided to completely dismantle his jump shot and rebuild it from scratch. As a result, he has only attempted a handful of mid-range jumpers and zero 3-pointers on the season.

But the Wisconsin coaching staff has an excellent history at developing player’s jump shots, and Happ has reportedly been working hard on it with assistant coach Gary Close.

Adding a jump shot to his game will open up so much more for Happ. This season, defenders have been backing off him, making it difficult for him to find space to drive to the hoop. But a jump shot would force them to play up on him, which should give him the space to drive. When he adds a consistent 13-17 foot jump shot, he will be a very dangerous offensive threat.

Nov 13, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Western Illinois guard Jabari Sandifer (1) looks to pass as Wisconsin Badgers forward Ethan Happ (22) defends at the Kohl Center. Western Illinois defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Happ also has the tendency to miss at least a couple bunnies a game. He uses his beautiful footwork and ball fakes to create open shots underneath the basket, shots that many high school players can finish. And then he blows them.

The good news is that finishing around the hoop is definitely something he can improve on. He needs to learn to go up stronger so he can at least come away with two shots. When he starts to consistently convert layups, he will add roughly four points per game to his total.

In addition, Happ needs to continue to get stronger and quicker. As every basketball fan knows, athleticism is one of the most important things for players.

If he can jump just a little bit higher, finish through a little bit more contact, and improve his first step just a little bit every year, he is going to be very difficult to defend, and should pull down even more rebounds than he already does.

More from Badger of Honor

Right now, Happ is scoring 12 points per game through sheer craftiness, footwork and being in the right spots at the right time. But when he adds a jump shot, improves his finishing, and becomes more athletic, Happ is going to be unstoppable on the offensive end.

Happ is already really good. Just ask Jim Boeheim, since his Syracuse team was treated to an 18-point 15-rebound night from Happ earlier this season. But if he works hard, he can be the next great Wisconsin Basketball big man and an All-American.

Next: In-Depth Analysis of Bronson Koenig in 2015-16

Stay tuned to Badger of Honor for more coverage of the Wisconsin basketball team.