Wisconsin Basketball: Way too early role projections for transfer additions

Chris Vogt – Center – Senior

Cincinnati transfer Chris Vogt is a one-year rental for the Wisconsin basketball team. It’s a perfect scenario for both the team and the player. Vogt is a 7-foot-1 rim protector, which is something the Badgers desperately needed with the departures of Micah Potter and Nate Reuvers.

It’s unclear whether or not Vogt will be coming to Madison to start, although one would assume that’s the case. As we have seen, Coach Gard likes to play his anchor’s down low in a platoon role, which makes the starter designation rather unimportant. So, my best guess right now would be that we see Chris Vogt starting at center due to his experience and shot-blocking prowess while playing in a platoon with a young up-and-comer, Steven Crowl whom the staff is incredibly high on.

This is a situation that I think bodes well for the present and future of the program. Vogt can anchor a defense that needed an experienced rim protector while big Steve gets his feet wet and continues to develop. I wouldn’t be surprised to see minute distribution look similar to that of Potter/Reuvers a year ago.

Jahcobi Neath – Point Guard – Sophomore

Jachcobi Neath was a bit of an outside-of-the-box addition, and I mean that in a good way. Neath excels as a play-maker and possesses rare athleticism we’re not accustomed to seeing at the position.

The minutes at point guard are wide open and it’s not inconceivable that he could earn the starting
role, with two other freshmen also vying for minutes. I think it’s more likely that Neath ends up playing minutes off the bench, similar to the role that Trevor Anderson found himself in a year ago. I expect to see Greg Gard use more three-guard lineups next season, and Neath’s size will allow him to play 1-3 if the Badgers decide to go small.

Jahcobi Neath has all the tools to be an effective defender, but at this stage in his development, that’s an area of his game that needs improvement. Greg Gard will not give anyone minutes he doesn’t trust on defense. So, if he is able to improve defensively, I think Neath will become a fixture in the rotation.

The in-game experience he brings from playing in the ACC will be a welcomed addition, and will undoubtedly help push Chucky Hepburn and Lorne Bowman.

FR – Isaac Lindsey – Guard

Isaac Lindsey is an in-state product from Mineral Point who returns home after one season on
scholarship at UNLV. To land a player of Lindsey’s talent as a walk-on is quite impressive. This is a player who held D1 offers from UNLV, DePaul, South Dakota State, Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey has been plagued by injuries the last few seasons, but when healthy is a legitimate Division 1 player.

Lindsey adds depth out on the wing and is a good shooter who has a knack for knocking down open jumpers. In the badger’s system you can never have enough spacing, and to add a shooter with four years left of eligibility as a walk-on is an obvious win.

Much like former AAU teammate and badger’s walk-on Carter Gilmore, Lindsey is a player fully capable of earning a scholarship of his own when healthy. This is a program that has decent depth across the roster, but with minutes up for grabs, the opportunity is there for Lindsey to make a name for himself.

I don’t really see an avenue to playing time for Lindsey this upcoming season. Wisconsin returns Brad Davison and Jonathan Davis who will eat up most of the minutes on the wing, while also bringing in several scholarship guards who should figure into the rotation. With that being said, coming in and getting healthy while learning the system will be the focus this season.

Lindsey has four years of eligibility left and bleeds red and white like many in-state players before him, so I have no doubt he will do whatever is asked of him to help the program. Lindsey’s greatest contribution next season will likely come from the scout team but could find himself in a position to contribute in year two or three.

Final thoughts

The Wisconsin basketball team had some glaring needs on the roster entering the off-season, and I would argue all of the perceived needs were met. I know fans were expecting to land a higher impact transfer, but you have to be happy with the group they were able to come away with. Each player acquired from the transfer portal has a chance to contribute to the program either now or in the future. Worst case scenario, Coach Gard has added necessary competition to each position group, which will allow Wisconsin to get the most out of its players. Competition brings out the best in everyone, and with minutes currently up for grabs, the cream will have the chance to rise to the top.

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