There's been a great deal of things happening around Wisconsin athletics in just the last couple of days. Here are four of the biggest pieces of news that you may have missed, or if you just want a refresher on some of them.
Greg Gard signs 2 players for the 2026 recruiting class
The Badgers have added two players for next season out of the 2026 recruiting class. The first is an in-state product, LaTrevion Fenderson. He's listed as a 6'5" small forward, and Gard is thrilled to have him as part of the basketball family. Gard said this about him, "We've known LaTrevion for a long time and have been able to watch him mature and grow, and we're thrilled to keep him home as a Badger. Our entire staff is looking forward to helping Tre grow into his potential both on and off the court here in Madison."
The second addition came via New Zealand, Jackson Ball. He's actually currently signed to an NBL deal for next season, which is one of the top international programs in the world. He plans to play in that league for this season and then come to Madison. Fans have affectionately dubbed him Tom Riddle. You'll have to read why in this article.
Both are important signings for the development and future of Wisconsin basketball.
Luke Fickell loses another 2026 commitment
On the other end of the spectrum, Maddox Cochrane decommitted from Wisconsin yesterday. The 6'7 offensive lineman is now the third recruit in the 2026 class who has announced they are looking elsewhere. There's legitimate fear that this recruiting class could unravel. As the season goes, often the recruiting does too.
Gideon Ituka updates after scary injury
Gideon Ituka went down against Indiana and had to be carted off the field, strapped to a cart. He lifted a "thumbs up" as they drove him off. It looked bad, but quickly the Big Ten Network told viewers that Ituka had movement in his extremities. That was a great sign.
After the game, Fickell wasn't sure what the next steps for Ituka were, but there was hope he could return home with the team. Then he did just that. Ituka posted from the plane that he was going home with the team as he was cleared to fly.
Then Fickell gave another update on Monday that he wasn't sure how long he was going to be out, but that all signs were really positive and that Ituka seems to be doing really well.
The theory is they will keep running tests on him and making sure he didn't suffer any lasting trauma.
Women's Basketball is back and signs are really positive
Robin Pingeton has brought new life into this program, and early signs are super positive. They've started the season at 4-1, and that's really, really good. But the team chemistry seems to be high, Pingeton seems to have a good handle on her rotations, and Pingeton is doing something Marisa Moseley avoided: press conferences.
This may not be the homerun year, but it's already a step in the right direction and they may be quite the program after a couple of seasons under Pingeton.