The Badgers are losing one of their in-state freshmen to the transfer portal.

The Wisconsin Badgers are midway through their spring practice schedule, with practice No. 7 of 15 wrapping up on Tuesday.

It’s been a competitive spring, with a lot of younger players getting opportunities as Wisconsin rotates through its top teams. We’ve seen freshmen get second-team reps, up-and-comers see time with the top group, and as a result, certain players are starting to flash.

But, there have also been some injuries, most notably Trech Kekahuna and Thomas Heiberger, who will be out for the spring with lower-body injuries. In addition, tight end Tanner Koziol has been ‘dinged up’.

On top of that, there has been one player who hasn’t been seen at all this spring: redshirt freshman offensive lineman Derek Jensen.

Jensen, an Arrowhead, Wisconsin native, enrolled early with the Badgers as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, and was one of the five offensive linemen that Wisconsin picked up in the class.

However, he’s been nowhere to be seen this spring, and head coach Luke Fickell confirmed that on Tuesday when speaking to the media.

“Jensen hasn’t been out here all spring,” Fickell said.

Per BadgerExtra’s Colten Bartholemew, Jensen is planning on entering the transfer portal as the spring portal opens up between April 16-25. That marks an unfortunate loss for the Badgers, as Jensen was one of the lone in-state recruits in Wisconsin’s loaded 2024 class.

The remainder of that offensive line group (Kevin Heywood, Emerson Mandell, Ryan Cory, Colin Cubberly) have all either been competing for a starting spot or with the twos all spring.

Jensen did not suit up for a game during his freshman season.

Greg Gard speaks at the press conference after a loss to Penn State. March 8, 2025.

In December of 2015, just 12 games into the 2015-2016 season, legendary UW-Madison men’s basketball team coach Bo Ryan retired and handed the team over to his long-time assistant coach Greg Gard. This was Gard’s first head coaching job ever — he had spent the last 22 years as Ryan’s assistant coach at UW-Platteville, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Madison.

Gard was taking over one of the most successful programs in the country. The Badgers had made the last 17 NCAA tournaments including Final Four appearances in 2000, 2014 and 2015 and even made the national championship in 2015, the season right before Gard took over.

Gard started his tenure well, making the tournament each of his first two years and leading the Badgers to two big upsets against No. 2 Xavier in 2016 and No. l seed Villanova in 2017.

After missing the NCAA tournament in 2018 for the first time since 1998, a theme hit the Badgers. Impressive regular season starts lead to a solid NCAA tournament seed and Big Ten titles coinciding with coach of the year awards for Gard in 2020 and 2022. Over the next four seasons, the Badgers lost to No. 12 Oregon in 2019, No. 1 Baylor in 2021 and No. 11 Iowa State in 2022, all within the first two rounds of the tournament, followed by missing the tournament again in 2023.

John Tonje at the press conference after a loss to Penn State. March 8, 2025.

A common theme in these losses was the Badgers shooting poorly. The Badgers shot just 33% from the field against Oregon and under 30% against Iowa State. The Badgers shot a respectable 45% against Baylor but were outmatched by the eventual champion.

The Badgers, through Ryan’s and Gard’s tenure to this point, were known for playing a suffocating defense and a slow-developing, boring offense that was dependent on making timely shots and not turning the ball over.

The Badgers’ highest finish in points per game in the Gard era to this point was 199th out of 350+ teams. This became their downfall in a lot of their NCAA tournament exits. They could stop the other team’s offense but couldn’t score enough to win consistently in March.

This style of play also possibly drove away big-name prospects from Wisconsin. Tyrese Haliburton, Tyler Herro, Jalen Johnson and Jordan Poole are some names that grew up in Wisconsin but decided to play out of state at big schools and ended up as successful NBA players. The biggest loss was Herro, who committed to Wisconsin only to change to Kentucky, saying he always wanted to play for “a blue blood” program. The Badgers’ only draft pick in the Gard era was Johnny Davis in 2022.

Heading into the 2023 season, the Badgers picked up transfer student AJ Storr. Storr immediately changed what Wisconsin basketball looked like, dunking over other players and catching alley-oops that you would rarely see out of the usual Wisconsin basketball player. Storr, as well as a veteran Chucky Hepburn, got the Badgers off to a hot start. A win against a good Marquette team helped the Badgers reach as high as sixth on the AP Poll.

A similar story came after a 13-3 start. The Badgers finished the regular season 19-12, but an impressive run in the Big Ten tournament got them a five seed in the NCAA tournament. This wasn’t the Badgers’ year, however, as 12-seed James Madison University was too much and defeated the Badgers 72-61 in the first round of the tournament. The Badgers shot just 37% from the field and turned the ball over an uncharacteristic 19 times in the loss.

Badger Herald archival photo of a UW swimming facility.

On a positive note, the Badgers finished 147th in points per game in the country, much higher than the previous high of 199th by a Gard team. This wasn’t enough for Badger fans — fans were sick of just making the tournament and not going far.

Previous reporting by The Badger Herald voiced frustration with the Badger’s decision to keep Gard for the previous season and the announcement he will be the coach for the next season. Storr, Hepburn and Connor Essegian all entered the transfer portal looking for a change of scenery.

Things were looking bleak for the Badgers in 2024. Media outlets voted them to finish 12th in the Big Ten, but a big matchup against No. 9 Arizona early in the season would set the tone for the rest of the season. Not only did the Badgers win, they were in control the entire game. Transfer student John Tonje scored 41 points, just two shy of the Wisconsin single-game record.

Tonje has continued the change in tone for Wisconsin basketball. The team played fast paced, they shot threes, they got to the free throw line. The team finished the season 36th in the nation in scoring, their highest ranking since the 1970-1971 season.

Despite these big changes, some old tendencies have poked their head this season in some of the Badgers’ losses. Gard tends to over-rely on his veterans in late-game situations, causing offense to take bad shots at the end of games, leading to losses against Michigan, Oregon and BYU in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

All of these games were in reach and in all of these games a veteran player took a poor shot at the end of the game while barely looking to move the ball. A small switch in the end-of-game philosophy could be the last step towards success for the Badgers.

Despite the fact that this season ended the same, Gard has bought himself a few more seasons as the Badgers head coach. Even with a few key players, including Tonje, leaving this offseason, success should be expected from the Badgers in the 2025-26 season with their new playstyle.

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice.

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is shown during spring football practice. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wisconsin football is in the middle of spring practices as it prepares for next season. Head coach Luke Fickell has redesigned some of his coaching staff, has new players to work with, and has a new scheme that hopefully will turn things around. The Badgers missed a bowl game for the first time in 22 seasons last year, and fans are mostly ready to move on from Fickell, as it seems the trajectory is down, not up.

All that aside, spring practices are a great time to see how things shake out, who’s making noise and moving up the depth charts, how position battles are shaking out, etc. They’re also active and physical, leading to injuries. This week, the Badgers had a player go down to injury, and he will be shut down for all of spring. Thomas Heiberger already had to deal with an injury last season, and now he has another one.

Linebacker Thomas Heiberger sustains leg injury during spring practices

Thomas Heiberger is a redshirt freshman linebacker who only played in four games last year due to a training camp injury before the season. He was finally ready to get back into the swing of things when he injured his leg. Requiring the coaching staff to shut him down for the rest of spring practices.

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native came to Wisconsin as a 3-star linebacker with a solid high school career under his belt. He came to the Badgers with the expectation of playing OLB but was moving to the middle this season.

Heiberger planned to provide depth at ILB and even compete for a roster spot if he was able to prove himself. However, that will have to wait until training camp as he won’t be able to do anything else this spring. It’s a blow for him, and really frustrating for a young player who can’t seem to shake the injuries.

The Badgers’ season ended in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32 on March 22. Coach Greg Gard broke down the disappointing end to a promising season.

Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde is returning to his home state to play for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team next season. And with its first transfer portal addition, Wisconsin addresses its search for a …

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Well, Rohde’s position might be up for debate still, seven months out from the start of the 2025-26 season. He’s 6-foot-6, which is an inch taller than the Badgers’ leading scorer and star last season, John Tonje. But Rohde plays the game like a point guard, and for that reason, another departing starter might be a better comparison.

Though sophomore guard John Blackwell — who elected to test the NBA Draft waters on Thursday — was technically the Wisconsin starting unit’s point guard, to an uninformed observer that wasn’t always obvious. Senior guard Max Klesmit, actually, was the leading assister among the Badgers’ guards with 89 (forward Steven Crowl led Wisconsin with 90). A good 3-point shooter at 41.3% last season and a capability of getting in the paint gives him some of the microwave scoring potential that Klesmit had.

But even while Klesmit struggled with his shot last season, his most important function offensively for the Badgers was giving it a second initiator on the opposite wing of Blackwell. He ran the offense, made reads and gave teammates good looks. That’s what Rohde does best.

BadgerExtra examined parts of a few Virginia games last season, specifically a five-game stretch from Feb. 1-17. Also, two games against Louisville on Jan. 4 and 18 — Rohde coming face to face to a familiar defender for followers of the Badgers, former three-year Wisconsin starting point guard Chucky Hepburn. Rohde alone does not answer all of the questions for the Badgers, who lost three members of its starting lineup this offseason (and if Blackwell remains in the draft, four). Wisconsin went about addressing its frontcourt, too, with Portland transfer Austin Rapp announcing his commitment a day later.

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But Rapp and Rohde’s additions do give some direction for where Wisconsin can still go to address the remainder of its needs.

Here’s how three aspects of Rohde’s game looked in a review of the film.

Scoring

Virginia was not known for its offense a season ago. The Cavaliers ranked 346th in scoring offense with 64.8 points per game and 101st in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom by scoring 110.7 points per 100 possessions. And that wasn’t necessarily coupled with better defense, which is typically what fuels Virginia. It ranked 144th, though, in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom by allowing 105.6 points per 100 possessions.

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Under interim coach Ron Sanchez, the Cavaliers struggled, posting a 15-17 overall record and missing the NCAA Tournament in a weaker Atlantic Coast Conference.

Rohde never became the type of player at Virginia that could single-handedly change a team’s offensive output, like he did scoring 17.1 points per game as a freshman at St. Thomas and 28.5 per game as a senior at Brookfield Central. But at his best, he could be a very efficient scorer, taking a step forward with his aggressiveness while remaining selective after posting poor shooting percentages his sophomore season: he attempted a field goal every 4.9 minutes his first year with the Cavaliers compared to every 4.0 minutes as a junior.

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When Rohde gets his feet set off the catch — whether it’s relocating after a pass on the perimeter, curling all the way under the basket for a shot on the opposite wing or at the end of the shot clock — he can be a deadly 3-point marksman. Rohde shot 41.3% from 3 last season, which ranks in the 92nd percentile per CBB Analytics. That’s the best part of his game, as he did shoot just 44.6% from 2-point range, which was in the 38th percentile per CBB Analytics.

He made a few nice drives, like a right-handed power right-handed move in a 15-point, five-rebound, five assist performance against Duke on Feb. 17, though he could be a stronger finisher at times. But Rohde is also 6-6, and he showed a few times he’d use that size in a post-up scenario. Against a bigger defender, strength seems to have an impact against him, but he seems to have solid touch already in an area the Badgers likely will work with him on. He even showed that against Hepburn.

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And though his handle isn’t always flashy, he can leave a defender behind him if he gets them leaning at the right angle. The tools are there so that, with the space provided in Wisconsin’s offense, he can take a jump.

Playmaking

Despite setting an all-time best mark with 537 assists this season, no individual Wisconsin player ever recorded more than six assists in a single game. Rohde had nine assists in three-straight games from Feb. 3-15. Including the game prior to that stretch, Rohde went four games where he totalled 34 assists and turned the ball over just twice.

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That’s playmaking unlike the Badgers had seen last season, and they add it with a player that could still play a lot of his time alongside another point guard-type. On film, Rohde’s passing looks special. Even while his higher-assist games included some hot shooting off easy chest passes on the perimeter, a bounce pass like he threw against Louisville on Jan. 18 would show up on anyone’s highlight tape.

Given a ball screen, he could hit rollers with both his left hand and right hand. He connected on a bullet pass across his body to an open shooter against Pittsburgh on Feb. 3, fired smart outlet passes and always seems to find the open guy no matter where he is on the floor. One of the most impressive aspects of his playmaking, though, is how quickly he could get into actions moving off the ball.

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In the first half against Georgia Tech on Feb. 8, he moved away from the ball, working to get himself open on the opposite wing. And immediately after he did and got the ball back, he and the forward in the area set up a pick-and-roll, which Rohde blew past and found an even more-open cutter for a layup.

He’s the definition of a player that makes others better, even leading shooters into areas he wants them to be. That will be of great value to a Wisconsin offense that switches sides of the floor quite often.

Defense

This might be an area where the Badgers might miss Klesmit if Rohde ends up being his replacement in the starting lineup. Limited game tape is not a fair indicator of a total defensive impact, especially as it pertains to the intangible skills that are required defensively — but Rohde’s 6-6 size, defensively, is only so valuable if he struggles to match opponents’ strength.

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That was especially clear going against Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, but there are also few players across the country that wouldn’t struggle against that matchup. He locked up better against Louisville guard Terrance Edwards Jr., though Edwards still connected on a tough shot.

A reason for optimism, though: Rohde playing two years in Virginia’s defensive system is good preparation for playing in Wisconsin’s defense, which is similar to the Cavaliers’ in its pack-line philosophy and is often mentioned by incoming transfers and freshman as the most difficult early adjustment. That experience should, at least, eliminate some of that learning curve.

Photos: Badgers men’s basketball in review

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) celebrates with fans after defeating the Arizona Wildcats on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Michigan center Vlad Goldin (50) dunks on Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) is swarmed by UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros defenders on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) shoots a three-pointer over UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros guard Hasan Abdul Hakim (14) on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) dunks the ball on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Nebraska forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) goes for a layup under the basket on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard claps during player introductions on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) and Washington Huskies guard Tyler Harris (8) battle for the ball on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) and Wisconsin Badgers guard Jack Janicki (33) celebrate after a three-pointer on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Carter Gilmore (7) hugs Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during Senior Day ceremonies on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) checks in for the last regular season home game of his career as a Badger on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Sweat drips from the face of Ohio State forward Sean Stewart (13) on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) buries his face in a towel after checking out during the final seconds of the Badger’s loss to Penn State on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin defenders attempt to block Holy Cross Crusaders forward Gabe Warren (21) on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard yells at the official on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) comforts Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) after Klesmit missed a late three-pointer to tie the game on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) run in to each other during a possession on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Montana St. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Montana St. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Arizona on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Former Wisconsin basketball head coach Bo Ryan watches as his banner is raised on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard Jack Janicki (33) celebrates after a three-pointer on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) and Indiana Hoosiers guard Trey Galloway (32) battle for the ball on the floor on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) jumps to dunk on Nebraska guard Connor Essegian (0) on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard laughs with an official on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) falls as Ohio State forward Sean Stewart (13) goes for a block on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL

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Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) tries to put home a layup against Oregon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wi. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL

Wisconsin adds Portland transfer forward Austin Rapp, who averaged 13.8 points and 6.5 rebounds last season.

The Badgers still seek to fill needs at wing and add depth at forward.

With these additions, Wisconsin is poised to be a top contender in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin continued its impressive start to the 2025 offseason on Friday night, as it landed a commitment from Portland transfer forward Austin Rapp.

Rapp joins the Badgers with three years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-10 forward broke out as a true freshman in 2024-25, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 39.7% from the field and a West Coast Conference-best 35.2% from 3. That versatile production, specifically the outside shooting numbers, should immediately help the program replace Steven Crowl’s frontcourt production.

The WCC Freshman of the Year joins Virginia guard Andrew Rohde in the Badgers’ 2025 transfer class. They each fit a similar mold — Rapp led the WCC in 3-point attempts (236), makes (83) and percentage (35.2%), while Rohde shot a blistering 41% from beyond the arc. Wisconsin has its top wing-scoring option in John Blackwell entering 2025-26, assuming he doesn’t leave for the NBA. The program is making a clear effort to surround him with shooting threats, or players who can contribute without a high-volume workload.

While Wisconsin still has remaining needs in the starting lineup and among its reserve group, here is an updated look at the team’s projected lineup and rotation.

Wisconsin Projected 2025-26 Lineup With Transfer Forward Austin Rapp

Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)*

Guard: Andrew Rohde (Senior — Virginia transfer)

Wing: Transfer (TBD)

Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore — Portland transfer)

Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior)

Wisconsin’s starting lineup looks a lot more dangerous with commitments from Rohde and Rapp. Assuming steps forward from Blackwell and Winter, there’s a chance this lineup is just as tough to defend as the 2024-25 group was, given the top-end shooting threats from 1-5.

Rapp’s commitment is especially impactful. Wisconsin was razor-thin at forward after Steven Crowl and Carter Gilmore graduated. His addition will allow Greg Gard to bring Xavier Amos off the bench, significantly lengthening the rotation. Knock-down three-point shooting is sometimes challenging to find at the position. Rapp provides exactly that, ensuring the team doesn’t miss a beat after losing Crowl (9.9 points per game, 41.6% from 3) and his floor-spacing ability.

The big variable to watch is the wing position. Wisconsin is trending for guard Nick Boyd, which could push Rohde to wing. Or, Wisconsin could add Boyd and a wing scorer, then bring Rohde off the bench.

*(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards)

Wisconsin’s Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves

Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore)

Forward Xavier Amos (Senior)

Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore)

Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore)

Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman)

Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman)

Center Will Garlock (Freshman)

Wisconsin’s rotation is lengthened significantly with Janicki and Amos coming off the bench, as opposed to the two leading the starting lineup with Blackwell and Winter. The program still needs depth at forward, as neither Greppi nor Garlock are write-ins to the regular rotation.

The Badgers still have several scholarships available. Commitments from a top-end wing, guard and depth forward, and the team will again project as one of the Big Ten’s best.

Wisconsin reserve guard Aidan Konop entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday.

The 6’2” true freshman played just four games with the Badgers after joining the program as a preferred walk-on ahead of the 2024-25 season.

“Thank you, Wisconsin,” Konop said in a statement via X. “Grateful for the relationships I’ve built with my coaches and teammates. I am entering the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility left.”

All four of Konop’s appearances with Wisconsin came in the closing minutes of decided contests. He played four combined minutes in wins over Holy Cross, Appalachian State, Detroit Mercy and Washington. The freshman guard did not attempt a shot over those four games.

A native of Sussex, Wisconsin, Konop enjoyed a successful high school tenure at Sussex Hamilton High School. As a senior, he averaged 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals per game, while shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from deep. He earned a first-team All-Greater Metro Conference nod and led Sussex Hamilton to an appearance in the WIAA regional final prior to joining the Badgers’ program.

Konop becomes the fourth Badger to enter the transfer portal this offseason, joining point guard Daniel Freitag, guard Camren Hunter and forward Chris Hodges. Star wing John Tonje, starting center Steven Crowl, starting guard Max Klesmit, bench guard Kamari McGee, bench forward Carter Gilmore and program veteran Markus Ilver also departed via graduation.

UW has already added former Virginia guard Andrew Rhode to its 2025-26 lineup. He projects to fill a guard void with the departures of both Klesmit and Tonje. Barring a jump to the NBA, rising junior John Blackwell will lace up alongside Rhode this coming season in the starting unit.

Wisconsin basketball has secured a commitment from Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde for the 2025 season.

Rohde, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 assists per game last season at Virginia.

Andrew Rohde, a guard from Virginia, has committed to playing basketball at Wisconsin.

Rohde, originally from Wisconsin, averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 assists per game last season.

Rohde is expected to start or be a key contributor off the bench for the Badgers.

Wisconsin is still looking to add to its roster through the transfer portal.

Wisconsin basketball has its first transfer commitment of the 2025 offseason: Virginia guard Andrew Rohde.

Rohde chose the Badgers over apparent top contender Iowa State, plus other power-conference options.

The Brookfield, Wisconsin, native began his college career at St. Thomas in 2022-23, instantly breaking out with per-game averages of 32.9 minutes, 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals. He then transferred to Virginia before the 2023-24 season.

With the Cavaliers, the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter appeared in 63 total games over two seasons, starting 53. He averaged just 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a sophomore in 2023-24 before improving each total to 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 2024-25. He recorded those junior-year tallies while shooting 43% from the field and a terrific 41% from 3.

Rohde should play a major role in Wisconsin’s rotation as a senior in 2025-26, whether as the starter or leading bench contributor. His leading attributes of size, shooting and defense appear to be a perfect fit as Wisconsin coach Greg Gard reshapes his program’s approach, specifically on the offensive end.

With more movement still to come, here is an updated look at Wisconsin’s projected starting lineup and reserve group after Rohde’s addition:

Wisconsin Projected 2025-26 Lineup With Transfer Andrew Rohde

Mar 8, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Andrew Rohde (4) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Kyle Cuffe Jr. (0) during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)*

Guard: Andrew Rohde (Senior — Virginia transfer)

Wing: Transfer (TBD)

Forward: Xavier Amos (Senior) OR Transfer (TBD)

Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior)

Rohde could slot into the starting guard or wing position or become the team’s sixth man off the bench. He’ll provide a major boost to the lineup in either scenario. The Badgers are also trending for transfer guard Nick Boyd, which could create an impressive backcourt trio. As of today, before more movement follows, Rohde slots into the starting combo guard position alongside Blackwell.

The program’s future additions will tell a lot about how they view the Virginia transfer’s fit with the lineup.

*(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards)

Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers bench players cheer during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Guard Jack Janicki (Sophomore)

Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore)

Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore)

Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman)

Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman)

Center Will Garlock (Freshman)

Given the Badgers’ transfer pursuits, Janicki appears a lock for this reserve group. The question is, will Amos join him? That will likely depend on what the program does in the transfer portal. As of now, Wisconsin’s frontcourt is a big question with Steven Crowl and Carter Gilmore both gone from the lineup, Gilmore specifically from what was a fantastic reserve group.

Again, more will become clear as Wisconsin continues its transfer recruiting process. As is the case in today’s age of college basketball, much is still to change before the 2025-26 season begins.