Incoming Wisconsin Badger freshman forward Isaac Riddle took off to India in the midst of the dead period in NCAA practices, competing with his home country of Australia in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. The week overseas gave Riddle a chance to compete and get live game reps, all of which played a part in a gold medal effort, as Australia defeated China 89-79 in the finals.
Riddle wasn’t exactly playing an extremely pivotal role, acting as a reserve for what was a very good Australian roster. But nonetheless, he played a part on a team that went all the way.
Nice run for a couple of Badgers in the FIBA U 18 Asia cup. Jackson Ball dominated with 29 points, leading New Zealand to the bronze medal
— Nick Osen (@TheRealNickOsen) August 23, 2026
Isaac Riddle and Australia take home the gold #Badgers
Ball also received all tournament honors
The 6-foot-7 forward finished the tournament posting averages of 7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game, doing so in just 14.7 minutes per game. Riddle’s best game came against the Philippines, where in just 16 minutes he racked up 14 points and eight rebounds.
His impact came in fairly simplistic ways, doing lots of work off the ball and, in a sense, cleaning up the trash that others left behind. He did great work on the offensive glass, pulling down 2.7 offensive rebounds per game, along with finishing everything inside the arc, evident by the 60% he shot on two-point baskets.
What He Can Do Better
Beyond that, however, the same flaws that Riddle has had in the past were evident in FIBA as well. His defensive activity was extremely underwhelming in all facets, recording just two steals and zero blocks in the entire week of play. He also logged just 2.5 defensive rebounds per game, which in a vacuum is fine, but considering the work he did on the offensive glass, it’s a bit of an underwhelming mark.
Asia Champions! 🏆🇦🇺
— Isaac Riddle (@Isaac_Riddle_) August 23, 2026
So proud of this group—what a journey and what an honour to represent Australia. Grateful for every teammate, coach and supporter who made this possible.#Australia #AsiaChampions #FIBAAsiaCup #BasketballAustralia https://t.co/QTGpijqt62
Shot touch, too, continues to be an issue for Riddle. He was just 1-for-5 on 3-point attempts over the six-game sample and shot just 53.3% on free throws. It was understood that he was going to be a bit of a project for the Badgers from the moment he committed, and it seems as if that hypothesis has been proven.
Nonetheless, there is a lot to look forward to for Wisconsin fans in regard to Riddle’s future with the program. He may not be a guy ready to play a hefty role the moment the season kicks off — or in his entire first year, for that matter. But given the fact he is proving that even in a smaller role he can make a positive impact, Riddle is setting himself up for a great future in Madison.
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