The Wisconsin Badgers posted their 2025-2026 basketball roster yesterday, and while much of it was pretty uneventful, there were four things I noticed right away. It interested me so that it might interest you. Here are four quick observations that I find fascinating about Wisconsin's new roster.
1. Alex Bieliauskas - name and height
First, I spent a week writing "Alekus" and copying and pasting Bieliauskas due to the FIBA U20 tournament. However, Wisconsin is listing him as "Alex" and not "Alekus." That's fascinating. Then I noticed that his height is listed as 6'10. Which is up an inch from what he was listed in most places, even for FIBA. Although watching him all week, he seemed to be the biggest player on the court, and according to the eye test, he looked all of 6'10.
He hasn't yet reported to the Badgers, so we will see if that stays after they get his official measurement. Finally, he went with number 32, which is his FIBA number reversed (23).
2. Austin Rapp - number is same as Ethan Happ
I feel like Rapp did us dirty here, or thinks it's a pretty funny joke to pick the number 22. Most Wisconsin fans who jump onto that page and see "Rapp" and "22" are going to read it as "Happ" for so long accidentally. Good prank, Austin. Good prank.
3. Will Garlock - 7'0 monster
Garlock is now officially measured in at 7'0. While he's been listed as a 7'0 monster on recruiting databases, it was essential to see it become official by the Badgers. This gives Wisconsin two 7-footers again, swapping Steven Crowl out for Will Garlock but keeping Nolan Winter.
4. Hayden Jones - listed at 6'7 not 6'5
Hayden Jones had been listed at 6'5 on 24/7 Sports and other databases, but the Badgers have him at 6'7. Jones, like Bieliauskas, has also yet to report due to international obligations. Therefore, it's not quite official, but with two extra inches, they must be confident in something to put him at that height. It may be due to the fact that FIBA updated his height from 6'5 "to 6'7" this offseason. That's a great size for what Greg Gard is looking for in his wings.