The Wisconsin Basketball season is right around the corner, so I’m taking a look at every scholarship player on the roster. Here are the links for the first 11.

1. Bronson Koenig

2. Zak Showalter

3. Nigel Hayes

4. Vitto Brown

5. Ethan Happ

6. Khalil Iverson

7. Jordan Hill

8. Alex Illikainen

9. D’Mitrik Trice

10. Charlie Thomas

11.  Andy Van Vliet

    Now, last but not least, sharpshooting freshman Brevin Pritzl. (Note: If Aleem Ford decides not to redshirt, which seems extremely doubtful, a preview will be added for him.)

     

    Last Season/ Recruiting Recap

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbYPFNfEa-Y

    Why did I show this video? Well, for starters, it’s awesome and I would never miss an opportunity to include it, no matter how irrelevant. Second, Ben Brust is the player that redshirt freshman Brevin Pritzl is compared to the most. That is pretty lofty praise considering all Brust accomplished.

    The Wisconsin native stayed in state to become the most highly touted recruit of the five-player 2015 recruiting class. According to 247sports, he was the 22nd best shooting guard and 74th best overall recruit in the country. His specialty is his superb outside shooting, especially off the catch. He was set to play a major role off the bench for Badgers as a true freshman, but a broken foot ended his season before it even started, and he was granted a medical redshirt.

    Burning Question

    1. Can Pritzl shake off the rust and earn a spot in the rotation?

    As one might expect, Pritzl was very rusty after missing nearly a year of basketball. He fell behind his fellow sophomores, and it now looks like he won’t even be part of the regular rotation to start the season.

    #Badgers coach Greg Gard noted Brevin Pritzl (foot) behind the curve because of all the missed time. (more)

    — Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 3, 2016

    However, Pritzl is an excellent 3-point shooter, and that is something that Wisconsin needs off the bench. If Pritzl can shake off the rust and get back to where he was before his injury, he can earn playing time. To do that, he also needs to show the coaches he can defend at this level.

    Season Outlook

    For the early part of the schedule, Pritzl isn’t likely play until the closing minutes of blowouts. However, his shooting ability leaves the door open for possible playing time later in the season. Like fellow sophomore Andy Van Vliet, when he gets comfortable playing at the college level, he will be one of the most high-upside players on the team. If he continues to improve his defense and shake off the rust, by January/February, he will get a few minutes in close games to provide an offensive spark.

    Stat Prediction

    5 minutes, 1.5 points, 45% FG, 42% 3FG