Wisconsin basketball looks to improve this worst-in-B1G trait

First, Wisconsin basketball emphasized scoring more beyond the arc. Next, the Wisconsin Badgers offense must improve in the paint.

Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter dunks the basketball in a non-conference matchup with the Montana State Bobcats. Photo credit: Dane Sheehan

In an era of layups and threes, Wisconsin basketball has rapidly adapted its offensive approach. Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard last year showcased a roster full of shooters, but now he has a roster that can finish stronger at the rim.

Wisconsin displayed three-point shooting prowess last season. The Badgers attempted 48.2% of their shots from beyond the arc, setting a KenPom era program record. For Gard and offensive analyst Kirk Penney’s efforts to revitalize the UW offense, they were rewarded, leading the Big Ten in three-point makes and producing 80.9 points per game — a scoring output unmatched by any Badgers team in over 50 years.

Wisconsin poured in the triples from up and down the roster. Four different Badgers, including two guards and two forwards, shot better than 35% from three.

That well-rounded shooting effort, however, left something to be desired at the rim. One of those sharpshooting forwards, along with a standout freshman, is hoping to change that — or otherwise risks angering some members of the Wisconsin coaching staff.