Author's Note:
Welcome to the first of my new series, Behind the Jersey Numbers. We'll be counting down the days until Wisconsin basketball tips off by giving you some number crunching content. I hope you enjoy the series, and join me counting down the days until Badger hoops!
With 44 days until the Wisconsin Basketball team opens up it's season at the Kohl Center against Southeastern Louisiana, today we'll look at #44, Sophomore Frank Kaminsky.
* 35
Kaminsky played in 35 of 36 games in the 2011-12 season. The only contest he didn't see the floor in was Wisconsin's' 63-60 overtime loss at the Kohl Center. Only 7 players played in that game, including starting power forward Ryan Evans, who played in all 40 minutes. If he stays healthy, Kaminsky will likely see the floor in every game this season as the Badgers' backup big man. If either Ryan Evans or center Jared Berggren miss time due to injury or anything else, Kaminsky will have to step up and fill in.
* 13.0
In Kaminsky's Freshman year last season, he recorded 13 blocks. That was 3rd on the team behind Ryan Evans and Jared Berggren. Kaminsky had a block rate of 4.13, second only behind Berggren. Considering he was just a freshman, 13 blocks in a year is quite impressive.This year Bo Ryan will be depending on Kaminsky to hold down to paint while either of the starting big men are out.
* 10
Kaminsky committed only 10 turnovers the whole season, the least amount committed by players who played 5.5 or more minutes a game. Kaminsky averaged only 0.3 throw aways a game, again the least amount committed by players with 5.5 or more minutes a game. Last year Kaminsky proved himself as a smart player, which is why he saw some decent minutes as just a Freshman.
* 1.4
Playing behind Jared Berggren and Ryan Evans, Kaminsky averaged only 1.4 rebound a game. Considering that Wisconsin was 210th in the nation averaging only 33.8 rebounds a game, Kaminsky will have to make a bigger contribution this season, especially when Mike Bruesewitz or Evans are not on the floor.
more after the jump…
* 28.6
While we know Frank Kaminsky has range on his jump shot (like all UW big men usually do), he did not shoot well from long range his freshman season. Kaminsky went 10-35 from deep last year, a mere 28.6%. I'm completely fine with him taking 1 or 2 three pointers a game if they're open shots, but if they're not falling, he's got to limit himself.
* 6'11"
Measuring at 6 feet 11 inches, Kaminsky is the tallest player on the Wisconsin roster and the tallest Badger player since seven footer Ian Markoff in the 09-10 season. If he polishes up his post game, his length combined with his good outside shot could be a very deadly combo for Kaminsky in the future.
Cole's 2012 Projected Stats for Frank Kaminsky: 10.4 mpg, 3.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.7 bpg
Analysis: Expect Frank Kaminsky's stats to take a leap this year. While last year he played very well for a Freshman, I'm sure Bo Ryan would like to see him have a breakout year and have him become a steady contributor off the bench. This year is another stepping stone for Kaminsky to get better so by his Junior season he can take on the role of starting center for Bucky. To sum it up, if Kaminsky makes major strides this season, he could see significant playing time and could be a crucial part of the Badgers' success.
Keep following along with the countdown here on Madtown Badgers and follow @ColeWBrown on Twitter for all your Wisconsin Hoops needs!
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