Greg Gard and the Badgers caught a tough break today with the news of forward Xavier Amos entering the transfer portal. By most accounts, Amos was expected to be back in an expanded role after playing just 10 minutes per game in his first and only season at Wisconsin. But now, he's the fifth player to depart for the portal, and the eleventh overall to leave from the 2024 squad.
Luckily, the Badgers have been aggressive in the portal, securing three players already to help replace the wave of talent that left the building. So while the roster is far from complete, how will the incoming freshman and new transfers fit into the lineup?
Point Guard
Starter: Nick Boyd
Backup: N/A
Wisconsin didn't really have a true point guard running the show last year, but they didn't really need one. This year, Boyd, a transfer from San Diego State, will handle the duties as a facilitator and willing scorer, but there isn't really a backup point guard on the roster for 2025 and they may not even use one.
Shooting Guard
Starter: John Blackwell
Backups: Jack Janicki, Zach Kinziger
The two guard is probably the strongest part of the roster with Blackwell and Janicki forming an impressive duo. Blackwell will be asked to handle a large load on offense with the loss of John Tonje. Kinziger is a highly touted freshman who could be this year's Janicki as a breakout player.
Small Forward
Starter: Andrew Rohde
Backup: Jack Robison, Hayden Jones
Rohde, the Wisconsin native and Virginia transfer, was a huge pickup for Wisconsin, as they are desperately thin at the wing. He's a good passer and solid defender, but outside of Rohde, there isn't much experience at the position and the Badgers will almost certainly look to add another wing through the portal.
Power Forward
Starter: Nolan Winter
Backups: N/A
Winter will look to improve on an impressive 2024 season, but behind him there isn't much. Amos was slated to take on a bigger role as sixth or seventh man, but now with his departure, the Badgers are thin at the four.
Center
Starter: Austin Rapp
Backups: Riccardo Greppi, Will Garlock
Rapp, a transfer from Portland, is really more of a stretch four, but the Badgers haven't deployed a traditional center in their lineups for a few years now, so he'll assume the five spot. Once again, the depth is lacking experience in Greppi and Garlock and Wisconsin should look to add another big.