The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball program received another commitment from a rising New Zealand prospect. Guard Jackson Ball announced he will be coming to Madison in 2026. Ball joins Hayden Jones (class of 2025) as the Badgers' second commit from New Zealand and second commit in the class of 2026, along with LaTrevion Fenderson.
Here are three reasons Ball perfectly fits Greg Gard and the Badgers.
Fantastic shooter
In the last three seasons, Gard has revamped the Badger basketball offense from a slow-tempo, grind-it-out system to a more up-tempo pace that relies on the three-point shot. When we look at Ball's highlight film, there's much to like about his shooting form. Ball has a fundamentally sound jump shot that he is able to repeat either spotting up or off the dribble in pick-and-roll situations.
Physicality
Ball, whose height is 6' 4" to 6' 5", is a well-built guard who uses his strength to get downhill on the court and uses his size to finish around the rim. While Ball is nowhere near the athlete John Tonje is, some similarities in Ball's game show glimpses of Tonje. Like Tonje, Ball can use his size to square up and shoot over the defender, plus he can drive down and attack the basket.
Court Vision
Not only does Ball do a great job driving and shooting, but he can also see the court well and look for the open man. With Wisconsin's offense becoming more positionless, Ball fits in with his high basketball IQ and crisp passing, whether it's a kickout to a three-point shooter or a back cut to the rim.
While Ball won't be in Madison until after the 2026 season, he offers a positive glimpse of the future. If he remains on the current development track, Ball will be a diamond in the rough find for fellow New Zealander Kirk Penney and the Badger basketball staff.