Why Austin Rapp could be Wisconsin's next offensive matchup nightmare

Following yet another disappointingly early exit, the Wisconsin Badgers had no choice but to retool a then-depleted roster following the departure of numerous impact players. Greg Gard and the rest of the Badgers' recruiting staff did a good job on that front, finding a handful of guys such as Eian Elmer and Owen Foxwell, who project to be impact starters the moment they step on the floor in a Wisconsin uniform.

However, despite finding talent on the open market, one looming question still hangs over the head of Badger basketball: Who is going to step up and be the go-to guy? Many names have circulated in this conversation, as guys like Nolan Winter and Elmer seem like easy candidates to take the leap into stardom.

However, one name that has seemingly been lost in the bunch for Wisconsin fans is forward Austin Rapp, who has shown serious flashes of greatness thus far in his Badger tenure. Obviously, Rapp still has a ways to go in ironing out his skill set, but with the right development and a scheme built around him, Wisconsin could have itself a new go-to guy, given the right context.

How to Maximize Austin Rapp

In recent years of Badger basketball, the story of the team has been guard and wing play, funneling the offense through three-level shot creators who could operate as lead ball handlers. However, in order for Wisconsin to turn a new leaf and restructure the offense around Rapp, something will have to change, particularly in regard to how the team approaches half-court offense.

Although he has shown flashes of being able to create, the vast majority of Rapp's buckets last season were assisted. As a result, in order for the Badgers to maximize him as a scorer, they will have to get creative with the kinds of actions they run to funnel him the ball. Whether it's implementing new sets that get him more looks in the post or a more ball-screen-focused offense, Wisconsin will have to adjust its sets in order to get the most out of the Aussie.

Improvement Areas

Although the Badgers will have to make some schematic changes, the only true way for them to get the most out of Rapp is if he makes the necessary improvements to his own game. He is relatively well rounded for a player his size, giving him a solid base to build off of. With that said, Rapp still has some very apparent flaws in his game as of now, none of which can't be worked out over time.

The most apparent flaw in his game as of now is his somewhat underwhelming mobility. It's easier said than done to get lighter on his feet given his age and already developed frame, but dropping a few pounds and doing some mobility drills definitely won't hurt.

Another improvement area is his handle, which is solid for a player his size, but not world-breaking. Rapp doesn't necessarily have to be an isolation savant capable of breaking guys down off the live dribble, but adding some go-to moves and counters to his bag will go a long way for his long-term development.

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