A New Defensive Identity
The Wisconsin Badgers finished the 2025 campaign ranked 56th in KenPom’s defensive metrics, their lowest defensive placement since 2018, prompting a concerted effort to climb the rankings.
This offseason the roster received a defensive infusion, with point guard Owen Foxwell arriving from the National Basketball League, wing players Trey Autry and Eian Elmer joining the mix, and frontcourt presence Victory Onuetu providing shot‑blocking ability.
Returning starters Jack Janicki and Hayden Jones will anchor the lineup, while Will Garlock is being groomed as a rim protector, giving the team depth at the defensive end.
Coach Greg Gard has made defensive drills a cornerstone of early summer workouts, insisting that the squad must be good defensively out front, not merely rely on shot‑blockers.
Gard also noted that a top‑25 to top‑30 defensive range, combined with the offense that has already raised the team’s ceiling, could keep Wisconsin competitive on the national stage.