Our countdown to Wisconsin Hoops continues today as we're less then 3 weeks away from opening night against Southeastern Louisiana. Today we'll look at #21, junior shooting guard Josh Gasser.
*4.0
Gasser averaged 4 assists a game per season, ranking second behind Jordan Taylor. Gasser had a 1.6 assist to turnover ratio, also behind Jordan Taylor (the most efficient player in NCAA history). With Taylor's departure, Gasser will have to step up as a play maker and distributor on this team. He'll be a #1 option for them in many situations.
*45.2
Gasser shot 45.2% from behind the arc last year, going 42-93 on three pointers. While Gasser isn't known as a sharpshooter, his ability to knock down open threes could really help add more stress to defenses who already have to account for a number of weapons on the Badger offense.
more after the jump…
*21
In his first game ever as a Wisconsin Badger in 2010, Freshman Josh Gasser had 21 points Prairie View A&M. Since then, Gasser has recorded 21 games of scoring 10+ points. In his two year career, Gasser has been a steady scorer, which has really helped the Badgers immensely.
*10-10-12
On January 23rd, 2011 in a game at Northwestern, Gasser recorded 10 points, 10 assists, and 12 rebounds. This performance was the first triple-double in Wisconsin basketball history. This incredible stat just shows off Gassers array of talents and how he is a 'do-it-all' kind of a guy.
Cole's 2012 Projected Stats for Josh Gasser: 34.9 mpg, 9.2 ppg, 2.5 apg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 spg
Analysis
As he enters his 3rd season on the Badgers, Gasser is a veteran presence on this team. He's one of the most unique players Bo Ryan has ever had. I believe that Gasser will (and should) take over the point guard role this year with Jordan Taylor no longer on the team. However, Andy thinks it will be George Marshall who takes up the PG role. Either way, we know Gasser is set for a great year.
Gasser is one of the greatest play makers we've seen in the sense that he is all over the place. Grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, clogging pass lanes, distributing assist; he can do it all. I don't think Gasser will or can ever be a "star player", but his contributions to his team are maybe just as valuable. There's no doubt his play making ability is going to be vital to the success of this Wisconsin team.
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