The Wisconsin Badgers have a clear opening in their backcourt heading into the 2026-27 season, as although Owen Foxwell projects as a go-to guy in the starting lineup, beyond him things get a bit grim. Multiple guys have seemingly picked up buzz in different ways, hoping to find their home in the currently vacant spot, but after this past week, it may have become clear who is holding down the spot.
That player being freshman guard Jackson Ball, who has spent the past handful of days across the seas in India, competing with his home country of New Zealand in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. Ball entered the tournament with the understanding that he was going to be the offensive engine for his squad, and boy, did he ever take advantage of that opportunity.
Jackson Ball with the POSTER 😳🔥 against Korea in the Bronze Medal Game at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup!!
— BBALL FILMS NZ (@bballfilmsnz) August 23, 2026
2026 6’5 Guard 🇳🇿@BadgerMBB Commit@jacksonball04 pic.twitter.com/ePUhZuatFn
Action Packed Week
Ball had the greenest of green lights in the tournament and took advantage of it. He finished with the third-highest scoring total over the week, averaging 20.8 points per game, to go along with 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 stocks per game. Ball’s team ended up finishing third in the tournament as well, qualifying New Zealand for the FIBA U19 World Cup next summer.
He saved his best for last, too, as Ball recorded 29 points and seven assists in the third-place game, en route to a 102-97 victory for his squad. This past week or so has been a classic example of a guy being given an opportunity to shine and doing just that, setting Ball up for a great year in Madison.
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 #BadgersÂ
Ball also received all tournament honors
Piggybacking off that, the 6-foot-5 guard has put himself in a great spot to be successful heading into next season. As mentioned earlier, the backup guard spot for the Badgers is largely up in the air as of now, so for a guy like Ball who is right in the mix for those minutes, any rep he can get matters.
Now, after being given a week or so of freedom, being allowed to experiment within his own game, exploring his skill set and producing in the process, Ball has a chance to bring some new things to the table once camp starts back up. Whether he will be ready to translate his game to the collegiate level and, more specifically, the Big Ten is to be seen, but there is no doubt that this tournament was a step in the right direction for one of Wisconsin’s more promising talents.
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