The Wisconsin Badgers hosted their second practice available to the media this week, and there was much to take away from it, similar to the first one.
Wisconsin’s new-look group has been practicing for the past month, integrating eight new players into the flow, while a couple of returners, Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp, recover from injuries.
What were the main takeaways from Tuesday’s practice?
Sophomore big stands out
One of the candidates for a jump this offseason was center Will Garlock, who played as a freshman and showed promise, while also having clear areas to improve as an athletic, rim-running big man.
Well, some of that is starting to show in practice, according to 247Sports’s Payne Blazevich.
“Forward Will Garlock was a highlight for Wisconsin on Tuesday with a combination of dunks, physical rebounds and stops on defense,” Blazevich wrote. “The sophomore forward looked even better in UW’s second open practice as he bounced around the baseline and soared across the floor.
“Garlock was a force down low on both ends, finishing with authority above the rim and battling on the interior for stops and rebounds. His best moment of the day came as he elevated to throw down a furious one-handed dunk off a lob from guard Zach Kinziger.
“The second-year big man seemed to take a jump in his play and presence on the floor. And the Badgers, whose versatility in the front court is beginning to percolate, will need his supreme length and blossoming physicality this upcoming season.”
Wisconsin needs to be better on defense this year. Garlock and Victory Onuetu’s physicality in the frontcourt will be paramount to that as the Badgers get better on that side of the floor down low. Garlock did have his learning moments defensively last year and did seem prone to fouling at times. He also wasn’t polished yet offensively.
It feels like he’s growing more in all areas as he continues to become more physically impressive and is taking the natural next step in his development. Expect him to be a part of the rotation in 2026.
Transfer PG stands out as leader
When it came to Wisconsin’s offseason plan, it was clear from the jump that Australian point guard Owen Foxwell was going to be a big part of it.
Foxwell was the team’s major addition, providing the Badgers with experience at the point guard position, while also bringing playmaking and defensive chops to the backcourt.
Through two practices, that playmaking ability has been on display.
“Point guard Owen Foxwell hasn’t wasted time emerging as a leader on the court for Wisconsin,” Blazevich added. “The international signee has flashed his individual playmaking and creation ability, while stepping into a leadership role as he directs traffic from the top of the key.
“Foxwell has shined early with his passing, finding open shooters and dishing the ball to his bigs at the basket. And his shooting has emerged both on and off the ball, leading the Badgers from deep during Tuesday’s practice.
“Foxwell’s experience has been apparent over two open practices, and his feel for the offense and defense has seemed to translate quickly to a new system.”
Foxwell’s shooting improved in the NBL last season to a respectable 35+ percent from deep. If he can maintain that level of shooting, he’s got the ability to be a dynamic playmaker for himself and the offense this season.
Wisconsin’s offense is predicated on ball movement. Having that type of presence at point guard should be key to the team’s development on that side of the floor with a much different group this year.
Defense remains a priority
We mentioned in our first practice article that the Badgers were heavily focusing on defensive drills this offseason, with head coach Greg Gard mentioning they’ve done more than usual in the summer to turn things around ahead of the season.
Defensive drills were a focus again on Tuesday’s practice, according to Blazevich.
“Much like a week ago, defense – defensive rotations, in particular – has continued to be the focus. The Badgers have worked to pressure the ball and force turnovers with physical five-on-five competition in the half court.
“Guard Jack Janicki has looked to lead the defensive effort, as he covered ground and put his body on the line during Tuesday’s session. His leadership has also been a point of growth as one of the most experienced returners on the roster alongside forward Nolan Winter.”
Wisconsin wasn’t good enough defensively on the perimeter and in the paint. Now, they’ve added some quality perimeter defenders (Foxwell, Trey Autry, Eian Elmer), while having Victory Onuetu and Will Garlock and frontcourt depth.