Jack Thelen, a 7‑foot‑1 center from Maple Grove, Minnesota, announced his commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers on Tuesday, securing a spot in the 2027 recruiting class.
A Towering Prospect
Standing at 7‑foot‑1, Thelen brings a rare combination of height, coordination and skill that has drawn attention from college programs nationwide. In his junior season at Maple Grove High School he averaged 13.5 points and nine rebounds per game, numbers that only hint at his upside.
His pledge also reunites him with four‑star guard Jalen Brown, forming a promising backcourt‑big man duo for the Badgers. Wisconsin’s coaching staff sees Thelen as a cornerstone for a class that emphasizes development and long‑term growth.
Thelen’s recruitment gained momentum as schools recognized more than just his towering frame, noting his footwork and basketball IQ. He held scholarship offers from Miami (OH), Murray State and Montana before choosing Wisconsin, a program known for nurturing talent from the state of Minnesota.
Wisconsin assistant Brad Davison, a Maple Grove alumnus, has been actively involved in the recruitment, underscoring the program’s deep roots in the local high‑school scene. The Badgers hope Thelen’s development will follow the trajectory of recent successes such as Jon Leuer and Tyler Wahl.
With a strong track record of turning Minnesota prospects into Big Ten contributors, the Badgers are betting on Thelen’s potential to become a dominant presence in the paint. His commitment signals a strategic focus on size and skill that could reshape the team’s outlook in the coming years.