Just one day after Andrew Rohde became Wisconsin’s first addition in the transfer portal, Greg Gard and his staff landed another commitment. Austin Rapp, a 6-foot-10 native of Melbourne, Australia and the University of Portland Pilots, announced on social media Friday that he will be joining Wisconsin.
Rapp is coming off his freshman season at the University of Portland where he was named West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. He averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, showcasing untapped potential offensively. Defensively, Rapp recorded 1.5 blocks per game.
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With three years to develop in Madison, Rapp’s offensive potential is untapped. He shot just 39.7% from the field this season, but 35.2% from three, a good clip for a big man. Rapp showed flashes of a unique big man skill set this season, shooting threes coming off screens and off the dribble while also putting the ball on the floor to get to the basket.
The Badgers will likely use a two big man attack again next season, pairing Rapp with Nolan Winter. Similarities are plenty when comparing Rapp to Steven Crowl. The two are built similarly and both space the floor with their 3-point shooting and passing abilities. Rap, though, is a little more mobile and his ability to play off the dribble should add a different element to the Wisconsin frontcourt.
Wisconsin has now added two players through the portal in the offseason’s early stages. As the program continues replacing its six seniors and outgoing transfers, landing Bohde and Rapp early in the offseason is a good place to start.