What depth is there behind Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp, it's not clear, though assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft did mention one name after day two of practice; Aleksas Bieliauskas, a freshman from Lithuania who has plenty of experience in U20 interntional FIBA basketball.
The starting lineup for the Wisconsin Badgers seems to be pretty settled. It will consist of two returners: Nolan Winter and John Blackwell. It will also feature the three-star transfers that head coach Greg Gard went out and recruited in: Andrew Rohde, Nick Boyd, and Austin Rapp. The starting five from 1-5 will look like: Nick Boyd, John Blackwell, Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp, and Nolan Winter.
The depth behind the guards is pretty easy to discern, too. Returning guard Jack Janicki will have a big role, as well as Braedon Carrington, a transfer. You can also imagine one or both of the star freshmen, Zach Kinziger and Hayden Jones, will find a role, too.
Forward Aleksas Bieliauskas may be the first forward off the bench for the Badgers
It's the depth at the forward position that is a bit more gray. None of the players behind Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp has significant college experience. There's a lot of raw talent, but some question marks, and no clear depth. However, one name was mentioned by assistant Joe Krabbenhoft in his speaking on the depth, and it was incoming U20 Lithuanian star Aleksas Bieliauskas. While he noted others may find a spot too.
The #Badgers have limited experience behind 7-footer Nolan Winter and 6-10 Portland transfer Austin Rapp.
— Michael McCleary (@MikeJMcCleary) October 7, 2025
But assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft says a lack of experience won't limit the ability of a player to earn minutes in the forward rotation, if there are any to be had. pic.twitter.com/MYPnlxhLFk
It wouldn't be shocking to see true freshman Will Garlock also find a footing in the rotation as he's made really strong impressions early. There's also returning big man Riccardo Greppi, who mostly sat on the bench last season but now has a year in the system and will be more ready this season to help in a needed or necessary role.
Elijah Gray is another name that may find some minutes purely due to his veteran presence and having been around the program learning under Gard and his coaches.
It's hard to know how the rotation will shake out, but the signs coming out of camp that Garlock and Bieliauskas are freshman stars are a positive sign.