The 2007 Badgers are expected to play up to 10 guys in the rotation. This means sooner or later several true freshmen will have to introduce themselves to the Grateful Red.
Here is the sneak preview.
Jon Leuer
Leuer is a 6-10 multi-dimensional power forward out of Minnesota. He averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds his senior year and was a unanimous all-state selection.
Growing up, Leuer specialized in a perimeter oriented game but after growing nine inches in the last two years, he has since developed an inside scoring presence.
In the exhibition opener Leuer led the team with 15 points on six-of-seven shooting. In the second half he announced his presence with authority when he beat the opposing defender on a juke move in the post and proceeded to slam it home over the center coming over from the weak side.
Leuer is the perfect recruit for Bo Ryan’s swing offense. Wisconsin emphasizes the perpetual movement of all five offensive positions so it is crucial for their their big man knock down the outside shot as well as score in the post. Leuer brings that dynamic element that has made Badger basketball successful since Bo Ryan’s arrival on campus.
Although just a freshmen, Leuer will be expected to contribute right away. Expect to see him off the bench over Greg Stiemsma when Wisconsin is in need of an offensive spark. He is an intriguing young payer with a lot of potential as you can see his body and game taking shape since he has arrived on campus.
By the end of the year, we will probably be seeing Leuer a lot more in the box scores as he continues to mature and learn the intricacies of the swing.
Keaton Nankivil
Keaton has played in big games before at the Kohl Center. The 6-9, 245 pound power forward led Madison memorial to four straight Division 1 state appearances and a 94-8 overall record.
As a high school senior Keaton averaged 16.8 points, 11 rebounds and 7 blocks per game and was named Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball and Associated Press Player of the Year.
The heralded recruit is a born winner who brings a certain swagger and youthful enthusiasm that garners immediate respect despite his age. Keaton is a hard working defender who can really get up and down the court and finish in transition.
Jon Leuer is definitely ahead of Keaton on the depth chart but all signs point to Bo Ryan included him in the 10 man planned rotation of players. Every knows that front court depth is imperative to success in the black-and-blue conference of college basketball we call the Big 10. So we may not know the true value of Keaton until we enter league play.
Notes:
Wisconsin has also an open tryout this year, giving away one spot to a walk-on that survives an eliminator type try-out similar to the Reality TV show Bobby Knight has with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Although the try-outs are closed to the press and public, rumors have it the number is down to 4.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Archive: Prized Recruit Looking to make big impact
Oringally printed in The Badger Nation, November 2006
All the way from New York City to Madison, Hughes will look to bring new dimension to Badgers.
When Trevon Hughes arrived in Wisconsin for high school, he was basically on his on. Now, as the newest member of the UW men’s basketball team he now is a part of a family.
Originally from New York City, Hughes enrolled in St. John’s military academy where he was a unanimous first-team all-state selection by the Associated Press as a senior. While averaging 22.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.8 steals per game Hughes was ranked as a top ten prospect at point guard and received scholarship offers from several schools including Iowa, Illinois, Gonzaga, Georgia and Wisconsin.
However, by committing to the University of Wisconsin, Hughes will look to make an immediate impact for one of the top teams in the nation.
“As I looked at it and looked at the other schools I was comparing [them] to Wisconsin and I didn’t see any comparison between the other schools and Wisconsin” Hughes told The Badger Nation last summer. “The team chemistry I saw here was awesome.”
Hughes also praised the development of current point guard Kammron Taylor and hoped he could enjoy similar success with the Badgers as Taylor enters his fourth and final year in the program. He expressed a lot of excitement with the chance to play with him.
Hughes is also looking forward to adding to the team chemistry this season as he joins the aforementioned Taylor, upper classman Michael Flowers and fellow freshman Jason Bohannon and Mickey Perry in a battle for playing time at the guard positions. Hughes has been a point guard his whole life and considers himself a pass first guard but can score when needed. With his strength and ability to finish when he gets to the rim, Hughes will look to bring a different dimension to an already solid Badger backcourt.
His main weakness in high school was a lack of a defensive presence. However, since arriving on campus, Hughes has worked hard to improve, specifically on his off the ball defensive pressure which has been a staple of past Bo Ryan teams. Hughes also expressed the need to work hard everyday in practice to turn his defense into a strength rather than a liability on the floor.
When asked for advice Coach Ryan could give to his freshmen during practice Ryan answered frankly, “Don’t let Kamm score. Steal the ball from him. Because again, the best respect you can pay to a teammate is to beat him.”
Hughes is set to answer the challenge issued by Coach Ryan.
“I’m going try and get at everyone in practice” Hughes said. “I want to earn the respect of the coaching staff and my teammates.”
Hughes seems to be on the right track as the team has already welcomed the freshman with open arms and are anxious to begin a season filled with expectations. With some preseason polls ranking the Badgers as high as five, the national spotlight will be sure to follow the team throughout the season. That can be a lot of pressure for a true freshman but it does not seem to bother Hughes.
All the way from New York City to Madison, Hughes will look to bring new dimension to Badgers.
When Trevon Hughes arrived in Wisconsin for high school, he was basically on his on. Now, as the newest member of the UW men’s basketball team he now is a part of a family.
Originally from New York City, Hughes enrolled in St. John’s military academy where he was a unanimous first-team all-state selection by the Associated Press as a senior. While averaging 22.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.8 steals per game Hughes was ranked as a top ten prospect at point guard and received scholarship offers from several schools including Iowa, Illinois, Gonzaga, Georgia and Wisconsin.
However, by committing to the University of Wisconsin, Hughes will look to make an immediate impact for one of the top teams in the nation.
“As I looked at it and looked at the other schools I was comparing [them] to Wisconsin and I didn’t see any comparison between the other schools and Wisconsin” Hughes told The Badger Nation last summer. “The team chemistry I saw here was awesome.”
Hughes also praised the development of current point guard Kammron Taylor and hoped he could enjoy similar success with the Badgers as Taylor enters his fourth and final year in the program. He expressed a lot of excitement with the chance to play with him.
Hughes is also looking forward to adding to the team chemistry this season as he joins the aforementioned Taylor, upper classman Michael Flowers and fellow freshman Jason Bohannon and Mickey Perry in a battle for playing time at the guard positions. Hughes has been a point guard his whole life and considers himself a pass first guard but can score when needed. With his strength and ability to finish when he gets to the rim, Hughes will look to bring a different dimension to an already solid Badger backcourt.
His main weakness in high school was a lack of a defensive presence. However, since arriving on campus, Hughes has worked hard to improve, specifically on his off the ball defensive pressure which has been a staple of past Bo Ryan teams. Hughes also expressed the need to work hard everyday in practice to turn his defense into a strength rather than a liability on the floor.
When asked for advice Coach Ryan could give to his freshmen during practice Ryan answered frankly, “Don’t let Kamm score. Steal the ball from him. Because again, the best respect you can pay to a teammate is to beat him.”
Hughes is set to answer the challenge issued by Coach Ryan.
“I’m going try and get at everyone in practice” Hughes said. “I want to earn the respect of the coaching staff and my teammates.”
Hughes seems to be on the right track as the team has already welcomed the freshman with open arms and are anxious to begin a season filled with expectations. With some preseason polls ranking the Badgers as high as five, the national spotlight will be sure to follow the team throughout the season. That can be a lot of pressure for a true freshman but it does not seem to bother Hughes.
Archive: Versatile Krabbenhoft proves valuable
Oringally printed in The Badger Nation, November 2006:
When Joe Krabbenhoft arrived on campus last summer, he knew he would have to battle for playing time. The situation appeared to get even tougher once he broke his foot and was out for most of the off season workouts.
Despite the obstacles, the true freshman was not worried. After all Krabbenhoft had come to Madison as a highly touted recruit. He had just wrapped up his senior year of high school averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds a game and garnering the prestigious Gatorade state player of the year for his native South Dakota. He knew if he worked hard things would work out.
When the news came out that Marcus Laundry (academically ineligible) and Greg Steisma (depression) would be out for the season, it was Krabbenhoft’s time to step up. Even though he was listed as a guard, the 6’7 Krabbenhoft filled in at power forward and the Badgers did not miss a beat. He went on to average 5.1 rebounds in 16.3 minutes a game and recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds vs. Minnesota. Those numbers were good enough to be named to the Big Ten’s all Freshman team.
Clearly, Krabbenhoft found his niche with the Badgers but with the return of both Laundry and Steisma, he may be playing a different role in the 2006-07 season.
“Last year I had to bang inside, foul a guy once or twice.” Krabbenhoft said. But this year things may be different, I will be playing more with the smalls.”
Although Krabbenhoft had a very successful freshman campaign it was clear that he needed to improve his outside game in order to play the guard position. After being sidelined due to injury last off season, being healthy this summer was key as he worked hard on improving his shooting.
“This summer I worked on every part of my game but specifically my shot. I’ll never be done working but I feel like I have improved.” Krabbenhoft continued.
Krabbenhoft may be a work in progress at guard but he has proven to the Badger coaching staff they he can play any position on the floor. With Bo Ryan’s swing offense, which features several interchangeable parts, a player like Krabbenhoft will prove valuable. Regardless of position Krabbenhoft is ready to contribute.
“As far as position things might be a little bit different,” Krabbenhoft said. ”What I am trying to accomplish out there, will never change, go out there and play hard and do what I need to do to help the team win.”
When Joe Krabbenhoft arrived on campus last summer, he knew he would have to battle for playing time. The situation appeared to get even tougher once he broke his foot and was out for most of the off season workouts.
Despite the obstacles, the true freshman was not worried. After all Krabbenhoft had come to Madison as a highly touted recruit. He had just wrapped up his senior year of high school averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds a game and garnering the prestigious Gatorade state player of the year for his native South Dakota. He knew if he worked hard things would work out.
When the news came out that Marcus Laundry (academically ineligible) and Greg Steisma (depression) would be out for the season, it was Krabbenhoft’s time to step up. Even though he was listed as a guard, the 6’7 Krabbenhoft filled in at power forward and the Badgers did not miss a beat. He went on to average 5.1 rebounds in 16.3 minutes a game and recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds vs. Minnesota. Those numbers were good enough to be named to the Big Ten’s all Freshman team.
Clearly, Krabbenhoft found his niche with the Badgers but with the return of both Laundry and Steisma, he may be playing a different role in the 2006-07 season.
“Last year I had to bang inside, foul a guy once or twice.” Krabbenhoft said. But this year things may be different, I will be playing more with the smalls.”
Although Krabbenhoft had a very successful freshman campaign it was clear that he needed to improve his outside game in order to play the guard position. After being sidelined due to injury last off season, being healthy this summer was key as he worked hard on improving his shooting.
“This summer I worked on every part of my game but specifically my shot. I’ll never be done working but I feel like I have improved.” Krabbenhoft continued.
Krabbenhoft may be a work in progress at guard but he has proven to the Badger coaching staff they he can play any position on the floor. With Bo Ryan’s swing offense, which features several interchangeable parts, a player like Krabbenhoft will prove valuable. Regardless of position Krabbenhoft is ready to contribute.
“As far as position things might be a little bit different,” Krabbenhoft said. ”What I am trying to accomplish out there, will never change, go out there and play hard and do what I need to do to help the team win.”
Archive: Captain, My Captain
Once upon a time I was a hockey fan.
Then the strike hit. Hockey disappeared from the American sports scene and for the most part, evaporated from its culture. I swore I could live without hockey. There was plenty of college basketball, NBA and of course playoff football to keep me busy. After all, New York City is not exactly the culmination of the hockey world to begin with.
However, one name changed that. A name that is forever immortalized in the hearts and minds New York Ranger fans young and old. You need only refer to him as, “The Captain.” As Mark Messier’s jersey was raised to Garden ceiling it was clearly not only a special night for him and his family but for The New York Rangers and for hockey itself.
As the deafening capacity crowd of 18,200 at the world’s most famous arena thanked the man who finally delivered the elusive Stanley Cup, you could not help but think about how important Mark Messier was to the game of hockey.
Although the nearly 2,000 career points, the two MVP’s (1990, 1992) and the six Stanley Cups are incredible accomplishments, it’s the intangibles that make Messier so special.
His leadership qualities and his ability to instill confidence in players, coaches and fans alike made him an instant fan favorite in the World’s toughest city. Mark Messier is New York hockey.“
He made us believe that the Stanley Cup was our destiny," said Adam Graves, who spoke on behalf of 20 teammates from the 1994 championship team.
When that 1994 Rangers team led by Messier graced the cover of Sports Illustrated there was talk of hockey taking over the NBA as the third major sport in America.Who would have thought that a Canadian with a heavy accent would recreate hockey in the New York and help popularize the game throughout the country. His name ranks up there with the likes of LT, Derek Jeter and Joe Nameth as well as other immortal New York sports legends. He is clearly an unforgettable superstar.
Tonight, Messier returned to Madison Square Garden and for me, hockey returned to New York.
I think tonight I’ll pass up Kobe and Lebron, and watch the game that Mark Messier made me love.
Sam Rosen, the long time voice of the New York Rangers said it best, “He touched everyone, and he did it again tonight.”
Hockey is back.
Then the strike hit. Hockey disappeared from the American sports scene and for the most part, evaporated from its culture. I swore I could live without hockey. There was plenty of college basketball, NBA and of course playoff football to keep me busy. After all, New York City is not exactly the culmination of the hockey world to begin with.
However, one name changed that. A name that is forever immortalized in the hearts and minds New York Ranger fans young and old. You need only refer to him as, “The Captain.” As Mark Messier’s jersey was raised to Garden ceiling it was clearly not only a special night for him and his family but for The New York Rangers and for hockey itself.
As the deafening capacity crowd of 18,200 at the world’s most famous arena thanked the man who finally delivered the elusive Stanley Cup, you could not help but think about how important Mark Messier was to the game of hockey.
Although the nearly 2,000 career points, the two MVP’s (1990, 1992) and the six Stanley Cups are incredible accomplishments, it’s the intangibles that make Messier so special.
His leadership qualities and his ability to instill confidence in players, coaches and fans alike made him an instant fan favorite in the World’s toughest city. Mark Messier is New York hockey.“
He made us believe that the Stanley Cup was our destiny," said Adam Graves, who spoke on behalf of 20 teammates from the 1994 championship team.
When that 1994 Rangers team led by Messier graced the cover of Sports Illustrated there was talk of hockey taking over the NBA as the third major sport in America.Who would have thought that a Canadian with a heavy accent would recreate hockey in the New York and help popularize the game throughout the country. His name ranks up there with the likes of LT, Derek Jeter and Joe Nameth as well as other immortal New York sports legends. He is clearly an unforgettable superstar.
Tonight, Messier returned to Madison Square Garden and for me, hockey returned to New York.
I think tonight I’ll pass up Kobe and Lebron, and watch the game that Mark Messier made me love.
Sam Rosen, the long time voice of the New York Rangers said it best, “He touched everyone, and he did it again tonight.”
Hockey is back.
Archive: It's about Heart, Literally
Eddie Curry is a 6’11 and 285 pounds and knew from an early age that he was destined for the NBA.
The superstar-in-waiting was watching his dreams come true when in 2001 when he was drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.
After growing pains hampered Curry’s production his rookie and sophomore campaigns, the numbers started to come along. Those whispers debating whether Curry was the second coming of a young Shaquille O’Neal once again filled NBA locker rooms. Then disaster struck. While going on to average 16 points and 5 and half rebounds per game in the 2004-2005 season Eddy Curry’s world was turned upside down.
With the surprising “Baby Bulls” (coined for their youth movement) storming onto the Eastern Conference playoff seen they looked to jump on the young big man’s back. Only one problem, Eddy Curry wasn’t there.
Curry was diagnosed with an irregular heart-beat for the second time that season. Although doctors were unsure of the problem it could be very possible that Curry is susceptible to a potentially fatal heart problem. He missed the last 14 games and his contract had run out with the Bulls.
Now this is where the story takes a turn from a flawed center hitting the free agent market, to a story which has national and potentially global repercussions. During contract negotiations the Chicago Bulls requested that Eddy Curry take a full DNA test to access his potential risks of heart disease amongst other ailments. This contentious issue provided all the fuel to draw intellectuals both in sports and others into heated debate.
Needless to say Curry declined citing this test as an invasion of privacy.
Jim Paxon, the general manager of the Bulls and the man who requested the test came under heavy criticism from the national media. “I've taken a beating from a lot of people saying I was wrong to requesting that [DNA test],” Paxon said. “But I don't think I was. In my heart, I would never put anyone in jeopardy. If this was a child of mine, I would have done the same thing."
Does Paxon have a point? Well he does have the law on his side. Illinois is one of only 10 states that has no statutes against DNA testing by employers and insurance companies. He insists that the test was requested out of just concern for the Curry and his future as it was to backcheck a potential investment. They even offered Curry 500,000 dollars a year for the next 50 years if he failed.
The stages were set for controversy to come to a head as niether side was willing to compromise. However, just as onlookers awaited a precedent setting decision, Eddy Curry was abruptly traded to the New York Knicks as the trophy piece of the 5-player deal.
Now the story moves on to New York where it is illegal to request a DNA test from employees. Curry signed a 5-year deal worth 60 million and at much as 10 million of that is guaranteed regardless of how many games he plays for the Knickerbockers.
Eddy Curry avoided a potentially career threatening DNA test with his move from Chicago to New York. However, is he still stuck in a potentially life threatening dilemma? Only time will tell because there will be no such test results.Eddy Curry has appeared in 14 games with the New York Knicks averaging 12 points a game.
A Writer's Response
Earlier this year Jason Collier, a center for the Atlanta Hawks died after he had trouble breathing in his home. He was 28-years-old.It was later suspected that Collier's death was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The same condition that took the lives of other former NBA players Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers. This condition does show up in a DNA test. The same DNA test that arythmia-stricken Eddy Curry has refused to take.
Eddy Curry could be in a life threatening situation only he does not know it. Curry declined to take a DNA test because a failing outcome would ultimately affect his value as an NBA player. Even if he is deamed currently healthy, his potential risks for heart disease in the future will become public discourse. A fact which will play an unavoidable role in everything from an NBA contract to a life insurance policy. There is no doubt about it, Eddy Curry has a lot to loose by taking the DNA test.However there is little doubt that Eddy Curry may have more to lose by not taking the test, his life.
If Curry is diagnosed with a heart diease or even an elevated risk to heart disease he can begin the process of risk management. By taking medication and possibly changing his lifestyle, Curry could potentially avoid detrimental heart complications. If it goes undected he may be putting his life in jeoperdy.
Curry has millions of dollars at stake, is it worth it?
The superstar-in-waiting was watching his dreams come true when in 2001 when he was drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.
After growing pains hampered Curry’s production his rookie and sophomore campaigns, the numbers started to come along. Those whispers debating whether Curry was the second coming of a young Shaquille O’Neal once again filled NBA locker rooms. Then disaster struck. While going on to average 16 points and 5 and half rebounds per game in the 2004-2005 season Eddy Curry’s world was turned upside down.
With the surprising “Baby Bulls” (coined for their youth movement) storming onto the Eastern Conference playoff seen they looked to jump on the young big man’s back. Only one problem, Eddy Curry wasn’t there.
Curry was diagnosed with an irregular heart-beat for the second time that season. Although doctors were unsure of the problem it could be very possible that Curry is susceptible to a potentially fatal heart problem. He missed the last 14 games and his contract had run out with the Bulls.
Now this is where the story takes a turn from a flawed center hitting the free agent market, to a story which has national and potentially global repercussions. During contract negotiations the Chicago Bulls requested that Eddy Curry take a full DNA test to access his potential risks of heart disease amongst other ailments. This contentious issue provided all the fuel to draw intellectuals both in sports and others into heated debate.
Needless to say Curry declined citing this test as an invasion of privacy.
Jim Paxon, the general manager of the Bulls and the man who requested the test came under heavy criticism from the national media. “I've taken a beating from a lot of people saying I was wrong to requesting that [DNA test],” Paxon said. “But I don't think I was. In my heart, I would never put anyone in jeopardy. If this was a child of mine, I would have done the same thing."
Does Paxon have a point? Well he does have the law on his side. Illinois is one of only 10 states that has no statutes against DNA testing by employers and insurance companies. He insists that the test was requested out of just concern for the Curry and his future as it was to backcheck a potential investment. They even offered Curry 500,000 dollars a year for the next 50 years if he failed.
The stages were set for controversy to come to a head as niether side was willing to compromise. However, just as onlookers awaited a precedent setting decision, Eddy Curry was abruptly traded to the New York Knicks as the trophy piece of the 5-player deal.
Now the story moves on to New York where it is illegal to request a DNA test from employees. Curry signed a 5-year deal worth 60 million and at much as 10 million of that is guaranteed regardless of how many games he plays for the Knickerbockers.
Eddy Curry avoided a potentially career threatening DNA test with his move from Chicago to New York. However, is he still stuck in a potentially life threatening dilemma? Only time will tell because there will be no such test results.Eddy Curry has appeared in 14 games with the New York Knicks averaging 12 points a game.
A Writer's Response
Earlier this year Jason Collier, a center for the Atlanta Hawks died after he had trouble breathing in his home. He was 28-years-old.It was later suspected that Collier's death was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The same condition that took the lives of other former NBA players Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers. This condition does show up in a DNA test. The same DNA test that arythmia-stricken Eddy Curry has refused to take.
Eddy Curry could be in a life threatening situation only he does not know it. Curry declined to take a DNA test because a failing outcome would ultimately affect his value as an NBA player. Even if he is deamed currently healthy, his potential risks for heart disease in the future will become public discourse. A fact which will play an unavoidable role in everything from an NBA contract to a life insurance policy. There is no doubt about it, Eddy Curry has a lot to loose by taking the DNA test.However there is little doubt that Eddy Curry may have more to lose by not taking the test, his life.
If Curry is diagnosed with a heart diease or even an elevated risk to heart disease he can begin the process of risk management. By taking medication and possibly changing his lifestyle, Curry could potentially avoid detrimental heart complications. If it goes undected he may be putting his life in jeoperdy.
Curry has millions of dollars at stake, is it worth it?
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