The Badgers (as expected) took their first and only two preseason games against UW-Lacrosse and Minnesota State-Mankato handily, routing Lacrosse 84-59 at home and a 93-59 victory over Mankato.
Coach Bo Ryan met with the media Monday, speaking about the Badgers defensive schemes heading into the start of the regular season (vs. Prairie View A&M).
"Well, my defensive system is not all that intricate. Okay. Don’t let people to the rim, stop the ball, cover shooters. Now how much easier can you make it?"
Bo's right, people.
Ryan's schemes have never been extremely complicated: They're just concise, well-formed offenses that get the job done. Of course, a few first-team All-Americans certainly help as well.
Superstar-to-be Jon Leuer shared the team high in points with Keaton Nankivil, scoring 15 along with 10 rebounds and two assists. The hype and expectations Leuer will receive throughout the year will determine whether or not he is NBA-draft material.
The No. 24-ranked Badgers rose to the occasion Wednesday night, shooting 59 percent from the field. Along with Jon Leuer's combined 25 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday, they managed a 93-59 win for the Badgers over Minnesota State in their exhibition finale.
Junior point guard Jordan Taylor also contributed with 20 points on 7-9 shooting to go with seven assists and two rebounds.
Wisconsin had a staggering 40 points in the paint Wednesday night against Mankato, a place where the Badgers will need certain leadership moving forward into the regular season.
When asked about the conditioning and stamina of the Badgers' young group, Ryan noted, "Conditioning-wise they have done everything. They are in the position where if they keep making the effort to improve, then we will continue to become a better team.”
The Badgers open up against Praire View A&M on Sunday at the Kohl Center for a 5 p.m. tip-off.
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