Badger of Honor
Fansided

Wisconsin Basketball: All-time starting five

By Trevor Jossart

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Shooting Guard (Guard 2): Michael Finley

Honorable Mention: Kirk Penney, Ben Brust, Josh Gasser, Glen Selbo, Wes Matthews Sr.

  • 1991-1995
  • Career: 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists
  • Accolades
    • 3x Honorable Mention All-American
    • 2x First Team All-Big Ten
    • Only Wisconsin player with 500+ points three different seasons
    • NBA title 2007

Michael Finley currently sits second in all-time scoring at the University of Wisconsin and one of just two players with 2,000+ points, He averaged over 20 points per game in three separate seasons with the Badgers, with his sophomore year being his best- posting 22 points per contest.

Oct 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks executive and former player Michael Finley and Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler during the second half at American Airlines Center. Phoenix won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks executive and former player Michael Finley and Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler during the second half at American Airlines Center. Phoenix won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

While Finley was a player pre-2000s and before the Bo Ryan took over the program and instilled an expected success year in and year out, he kept the team entertaining and fun to watch. During his Badgers career, the team made the NCAA Tournament just once in 1994, securing their first win in the Big Dance since 1947. Finley went on to hold the scoring record for the Badgers for 11 years before Alando Tucker passed him up in 2007.

Finley went on to live a long NBA career, drafted 21st overall in the 1995 draft. He enjoyed success with four teams- officially retiring in 2010 as a member of the Boston Celtics.

Despite his best years being in Dallas, Finley was a part of the 2007 San Antonio Spurs championship team, earning his first and only ring in the league.