The Wisconsin Badgers basketball program did something it hasn’t done in seemingly forever this offseason, taking an aggressive approach to the grassroots recruiting scene. In the class of 2027 alone, the Badgers managed to land two top-100 recruits in Jalen Brown and Babacar Ann, along with a then-unranked 7-foot-1 center in Jack Thelen.
However, following 247Sports’ latest rankings update, Thelen jumped all the way up to the No. 120-ranked player and No. 88 overall on the composite board — jumping his own teammate and fellow Wisconsin commit Ann.
Wisconsin 2027 center commit @JackThelen_ got bumped to a four-star this week. UW has three top-120 commits in this class
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) August 26, 2026
Ranked 3rd in nation currently #Badgers https://t.co/MAkRAgWmRw pic.twitter.com/pNyQZAe9aU
To many, Thelen’s commitment originally was a high-upside swing, taking a chance on a player that Greg Gard has proven capable of developing, along with it being a boost in the favor of landing Ann. Now, after a strong summer, Thelen seems as if he could be the crown jewel of the class, although it will be difficult for him to pass up Brown.
How we Got Here
That said, the upside swing Wisconsin took on him seems as if it may be paying off earlier than expected. Thelen is fresh off of a productive summer on the 3SSB circuit that saw him average 8.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, showing flashes of who he could be. The touch in particular seems vastly improved from where it once was, as now Thelen is able to knock down free throws at over an 80% clip, along with making some more advanced shots in the post.
2027 D1 Minnesota - Jack Thelen @JackThelen_ 7’1 Big dominated on both ends of the floor at our #RLHoops Denver Showcase pic.twitter.com/RNcDnNsR5V
— RecruitLook Hoops (@RL_Hoops) April 14, 2026
He still has some of the same issues that plagued him in the past, as his somewhat underdeveloped frame and lack of coordination are still issues that seem to plague him for the time being. That said, those are things that can absolutely be ironed out in a college system, much like the one he will be walking into in Madison.
As for what Wisconsin fans should look for moving ahead, all that is needed is for Thelen to continue doing what he has been, and most importantly, stay healthy. Luckily, injuries haven’t seemed to plague him thus far in his career — knock on wood — but lower-body problems in particular tend to linger if developed early.
But given the fact it hasn’t been an issue for him in the past, there is no reason to believe Thelen won’t continue to do what he has been, making progress toward being an impact player for years to come.
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