The 2026 Basketball Without Borders All-Star Camp recently wrapped up in Los Angeles, and one Badger commit went home with high honors.
The camp, which is open to NBA scouts and personnel, is an opportunity for international players to showcase their skills in games and a mini-combine. A 2026 recruit for Wisconsin was one of the few invited, and he did not disappoint.
Jackson Ball, a New Zealand recruit who will join Wisconsin in 2026, earned All-Star honors from the event which featured 40 of the top international high schoolers. Ball is a 6-foot-4 guard who has elite scoring ability, averaging 21 points per game with the Hawke's Bay Hawks in 2025.
Badgers' commit continues to impress overseas ahead of 2026 season at Wisconsin
Ball is a willing shooter and can score at every level, giving the Badgers someone who can light up the scoreboard when needed. While he likely won't have a huge role early on, Wisconsin found a great fit for their high-octane offense when Ball is ready to contribute.
Wisconsin will pair Ball with another Kiwi already on the roster in Hayden Jones in 2026. Jones is averaging 1.9 points per game in limited action for the Badgers this season, but may his role increase if Jack Janicki can't go after suffering an injury against Ohio State. Ball, meanwhile, who is still just 17 years old, will be another in a long string of international recruits for Wisconsin.
From Riccardo Greppi to Aleksas Bieliauskas to even Australian Austin Rapp, Wisconsin has been heavily involved in international recruiting. Former coach Kirk Penney, who recently returned to his homeland in New Zealand, was a driving force in landing Jones and Ball. Both players should have good opportunities moving forward with Wisconsin as players like Nick Boyd and John Blackwell move on to professional ball.