It's hard to believe that we're approaching just 33 days until the start of the 2012-13 Badgers basketball season, but that's where we are and with it we've come to our first freshman of the season in Zak Showalter, No. 33 in your programs for Wisconsin this season.
Obviously he doesn't have any stats or things of that nature to go off of collegiately, but the Germantown, WI native already has a unique story to share with the world. Showalter went from preferred walk-on status to a scholarship in less than a season as the Badgers failed to land anyone following the transfer of Jarrod Uthoff to Iowa. So, with a freed up scholarship available Showalter became a full-ride player instead of paying his own way.
So, let's take a small glimpse into what this kid may have to offer in a Wisconsin uniform going forward.
*98.6
That is the percentage of field goals made in 28 games last season as a Senior at Germantown High School, according to the site wissports.net. Now sure, he's playing against some inferior competition at times but I don't care who you are, hitting nearly ever single shot you take over a season is damn impressive.
*48-48
Speaking of impressive Showalter was 48-48 from behind the three point line last season. Yes, a perfect 100% from behind the arc. That's just simply ridiculous in any way shape or form. Oh, and lest you think that was somehow a fluke, Showalter averaged 93.9% from behind the arc in his career at Germantown.
*22.1
That is Showalter's points per game average during his Senior season, up from 19.2 the season before as he led his team to the state Division 1 crown.
Oh and for good measure, if you thought he wasn't athletic and just a jump shooter, check out this memorable play from the state semi's against Madison Memorial:
Prediction for 2012-13: Redshirt
– Wisconsin is loaded at guard right now and he'll be sitting behind at least six other guards. It's not a matter of it he can play, it's a numbers game at this point and I just don't see it working out in his favor. However, you never really know as Bo Ryan loves to leave it up to his players on the decision to redshirt or not.
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