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Wisconsin Basketball Loses a Key Recruit

By Noah Seligman

MADISON, WI - DECEMBER 07: Head Coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers yells from the sidelines during the first half against the Idaho StateBengals at Kohl Center on January 02, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - DECEMBER 07: Head Coach Greg Gard of the Wisconsin Badgers yells from the sidelines during the first half against the Idaho StateBengals at Kohl Center on January 02, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Basketball got some bad news this week when a top rated recruit “reopened” his recruitment

Wisconsin basketball lost the crown jewel of its 2018 recruiting class mere weeks before the signing period officially opens.  Worse yet, it’s an in-state talent.

Tyler Herro from Greenfield, Wisconsin announced he is reopening his commitment.  Herro had previously verbally committed to the Badgers.

The 6-foot-4-inch shooting guard is the top prospect in Wisconsin.  He is currently 27th on the ESPN top 100 list.

Related Story: Badger Commit Tyler Herro Impresses at Nike Academy

He is a consensus 4-star prospects based on ratings from Scout, 247 Sports, ESPN, and Rivals.  As Brian Snow from Scout.com notes, Herro is a unique talent at the offensive end specifically.

"Herro, who has long been seen as a cornerstone to what Gard is trying to build in Madison, is ranked as the No. 38 player in the class of 2018, and is a high level shooter with solid skill off the dribble and athleticism."

Losing Herro is a gut punch for Wisconsin basketball just as the early signing period approaches.  This year, the early signing period for basketball runs from November 8th to November 15th.

Here is the nice “it’s not you, it’s me” message Herro posted on twitter announcing his decision.  Lets be clear, this is a high school kid so please don’t go after him on twitter.  Although Zak Showalter was one of the first replies expressing his alarm.

Herro would have certainly been a nice fit in Madison with a fluid and evolving depth chart at the guard position.  By 2018, Brevin Pritzl (2018 senior) D’Mitrik Trice (2018 junior) would have been the veterans in the backcourt.  Meanwhile, Brad Davison and Kobe King would be ready to make a sophomore leap.

Next: Was TJ Edwards' Targeting Ejection the Correct Call?

No question the Herro loss stings.  Losing an in-state 4-star recruit at the end of the recruiting process is bad news.  But, at least the cupboard is not bare at the guard position for Badger hoops.

It will be interesting to see where Herro winds up and if he comments further on the decision.  Just to learn a little more about what went wrong for the Badgers.