A Frontcourt Addition
The Badgers have secured a new face in their 2027 recruiting class as Jack Thelen, a 7‑foot‑1 forward from Minnesota, announced his commitment on Tuesday.
Standing at seven feet tall, Thelen combines a soft touch around the rim with footwork that allows him to operate both in the post and on the perimeter. His defensive instincts include timely shot‑blocking, and he has begun to show a willingness to step out and hit open three‑point shots, a skill that is still developing but already noticeable in his recent AAU performances.
Thelen’s recruitment moved quickly. After receiving offers from Miami (OH), Montana and Murray State, the Minnesota native said the Badgers’ staff presented a clear vision, and he elected to pledge to Wisconsin before the summer circuit concluded.
His pledge could ripple through the rest of the class, especially because he shares a high school teammate who is also on the Badgers’ radar. Thelen’s decision may influence the recruitment of that teammate and other prospective big men who have been weighing their options.
Wisconsin has a history of turning Minnesota big men into productive contributors, a trend that head coach Greg Gard hopes to continue. The program’s emphasis on developing footwork, passing out of the low post and defensive awareness aligns with Thelen’s skill set.
The addition of Thelen also brings a new dimension to the Badgers’ frontcourt depth, complementing returning players such as Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl and Nolan Winter, while veteran Nick Osen provides experience on the wing.
Off the court, Thelen’s background includes participation in the AAU circuit, where he has faced competition from teams associated with the Maple Grove High School program and the broader Minnesota basketball community.