Badger Basketball: Freshmen Orientation

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.