Wisconsin hosted their first public summer workouts, giving a glimpse of the new-look team.
The Wisconsin Badgers hosted their first open practices of the summer over the last two weeks, giving reporters a glimpse of their new-look team well ahead of the 2025 season.
While training camp is still some time away, Wisconsin provided an early look at a roster that will include nine new faces in 2025. The Badgers brought in five transfers (Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde, Austin Rapp, Braeden Carrington, and Elijah Gray), and four freshmen (Zach Kinziger, Hayden Jones, Will Garlock, Aleksas Bieliauskas) this offseason.
Several of those players put their skills on display, with some standing out alongside the returners, which include John Blackwell, Nolan Winter, Jack Janicki, Jack Robison, Riccardo Greppi, and Isaac Gard (walk-on).
What were the main takeaways from the team’s first practice of the summer?
Boyd’s feel is apparent
Coming into Madison, Nick Boyd seemed like a perfect fit for the offense. He was a point guard who looked to push in transition, had good vision with the ball, worked well off ball screens, and could score at all three levels.
That was all on display during the team’s first practice, as Boyd’s intensity level was high on both ends of the court. Badger247’s Payne Blazevich was on hand at practice, pointing out the point guard’s bounce and facilitating.
“Transfer point guard Nick Boyd’s bounce and urgency was apparent on the court as the Badgers ran through drills and live competition,” Blazevich wrote. “The senior guard was explosive getting downhill and his intensity was a spark for Wisconsin on each end of the floor. His vision emerged quickly as Boyd dished a no-look pass to guard Andrew Rohde, who buried the corner triple. He also surged downhill for a layup as he split Wisconsin’s defense in the half court. And as the Badgers moved to full-court work, his speed and ability to bring pressure offensively was obvious.”
“Boyd is primed to facilitate Wisconsin’s offense and set into motion the action for his playmakers. After only a short look, it’s pretty clear how much his intensity will help drive the Badgers during the season.”
Another step up for Blackwell?
Wisconsin’s biggest addition may not be a new face, but rather the retention of junior guard John Blackwell, who elected to remain with the Badgers after testing the NBA Draft waters.
Blackwell’s scoring was prominent during Wisconsin’s first practice, according to Blazevich, as he constantly hit tough shots.
“Getting guard John Blackwell back was as big of a win as the Badgers could ask for in the offseason,” Blazevich wrote. “And the returning playmaker didn’t waste a lot of time getting re-acclimated.
“Blackwell’s scoring prowess began to emerge with team competition as he cut to open space and knocked down shots against a tight defense. He finished a tough look at the rim through contact and connected on a triple against ensuing defensive pressure.”
Shooters shoot
Transfer wing Andrew Rohde was the star of the day, knocking down five triples and showing off his deep stroke, both in transition and in the half-court, according to Blazevich.
He and transfer guard Braeden Carrington should benefit from the Badgers offense with catch-and-shoot and transition looks.
“Rohde was proficient in knocking down open shots,” Blazevich continued. “Rohde fired the ball in rhythm as he hit on the majority of his looks both in transition and within the half court. He shot a consistent 41.3 percent beyond the arc last season and his proficiency from deep was apparent from the early going.”
“As the Badgers began to open the court and compete in a scrimmage setting, the pace drastically picked up. Much like its trend from last season, Wisconsin aimed to move the ball with ferocity in transition before setting up its offense. The quick tempo allowed the aggressiveness of Blackwell and Boyd to shine, while opening up the floor for shooters like Rohde and transfer guard Braeden Carrington.”
Forwards shine
The frontcourt will look quite different for the Badgers this season. Out are seniors Steven Crowl, Carter Gilmore, and Markus Illver. In are Portland transfer Austin Rapp, Temple transfer Elijah Gray, and freshmen Will Garlock and Aleksas Bieliausksas.
While Bieliauskas wasn’t on hand during the first practice, Garlock and Rapp stood out alongside returning forward/center Nolan Winter, according to Blazevich.
“Multiple front court members made an impact for the Badgers down low,” Blazevich wrote. “Forward Austin Rapp had an opportunity to space the floor in transition and use his athleticism as he notched a couple of strong finishes for the Badgers. Returning forward Nolan Winter was a forceful presence at the block and freshman Will Garlock stood out with some hustle plays: attacking the rim and pulling down a few rebounds that turned into points.”
The Badgers are still quite a ways from being ready for the 2025-26 season. But, their first practice showcased the building blocks in place for what should mount to another strong campaign for head coach Greg Gard.