Badger basketball may have a different offensive approach next season

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team was forced to undergo a plethora of roster turnover following the 2025-26 season, especially at the top. Both of Wisconsin’s two leading scorers, Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, are on their way out of town, with one being left in better faith with the fans, but that's not the story of the day. The story is who is going to be the Badger this season to fill their void.

It's no easy task to fill the shoes of two guys who combined for just under 40 points a game last season, but if Wisconsin wishes to replicate anywhere near the level of success they had, then it's a non-negotiable task.

It isn't just scoring they have to replace either, as both Boyd and Blackwell, along with Andrew Rohde, who is also on his way out, all accounted for a vast majority of the playmaking responsibilities in Madison as well. It may be easier to find a table setter than a go-to, 20-point-per-game kind of guy, but finding both could mean great things for the Badgers. As for if they found that guy, well, the answer isn't so clear.

Possible Risers

Although Wisconsin doesn't have any clear-cut All-American talents on the team next year, a few guys stand out as possible breakout candidates. The favorite of the group is senior Nolan Winter, who has shown a steady increase in production over his last three seasons with the Badgers. Last season, the 7-foot big man averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds, showcasing a new level of interior presence he hadn't yet flashed. If he can continue to improve as a playmaker and shot creator, he could end up being Wisconsin’s guy next season.

Another likely candidate amongst the Badger fandom is Miami Ohio transfer Eian Elmer, who fits the physical mold of the most successful players in the new Greg Gard offense. Elmer has already showcased an elite outside shooting ability, cashing in on 42.9% of his attempts last season, along with the ability to attack closeouts and get downhill. However, his lack of ball skills and playmaking suggests he is more of a 3-and-D, tertiary creator versus the on-ball engine that many suspect. There is always a chance he could take a big step forward, but it doesn't seem as likely as many would like to think.

Success if Nobody Steps Up

Although guys like Austin Rapp and Owen Foxwell could also assert themselves as the top player on the team, it seems more likely that Wisconsin will have to run a by-committee system next season. The Badgers have a well-rounded team of guys whose skill sets complement one another, meaning a free-flowing offense backed by the playmaking prowess of Foxwell and the interior presence of Winter could be the best course of action.

Allowing those two to be the “engine” will open up one-on-one opportunities for guys like Elmer and Rapp, who have already proven the ability to win those reps. Next season may be a little different for Badger basketball than the last few, but it seems as if Wisconsin is gearing up for a new and maybe even improved offensive system.

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