Wisconsin Basketball, especially under Bo Ryan, has always been know for three things: boring offense, great defense, and developing efficient, smart basketball players. Sunday’s game against Illinois will be the last at the Kohl Center for Senior Point Guard Jordan Taylor. As we enter Senior night, let’s take a look back at the remarkable career of Jordan Taylor.
Taylor raised a few eye brows in High School. He made his first splash when he had a breakout Sophomore season and was named an honorable mention all-state. Jordan made a few enemies when he accepted Bo Ryan’s offer and committed to Wisconsin on November 6th, 2006. In his senior year of high school at Benilde-St.Margaret’s, Taylor put up huge numbers averaging 22.3 points and 7.1 assists per game. Taylor was named Mr. Basketball Minnesota in route to leading his school to the AAA state title. According to Rivals Recruiting, Jordan was the 30th best PG of the 2008 class and the 124th overall player.
As a freshman Taylor found himself stuck behind a deep point guard roster headlined by Trevon Hughes. Jordan averaged just 13.2 minutes and 1.6 points as a freshman.
Taylor had a breakout year as a sophomore. Despite backing up Senior PG Trevon Hughes, Jordan received increased minutes and showed his productivity. Bo Ryan didn’t ignore his success and gave him time playing shooting guard. In his second college season Jordan averaged 10 points and 3.6 assists a game and receiving around 29.5 minutes. Taylor had his best game of the year on the biggest stage. #4 Purdue came to town and Jordan was up for the challenge. In 29 minutes played, Taylor scored 23 points with 2 assists and 2 rebounds. He helped the Badgers pull off the 73-66 upset. Taylor’s 2009-10 season showed he was ready to take the reigns of the Wisconsin offense.
In Taylor’s Junior year, he established himself as one of the nation’s best point guards. The Badgers were not very deep at the point guard position, which resulted in Taylor playing 36.5 minutes a game. Jordan put up some big numbers for the Badgers averaging 18 points a contest. He had one of the most efficient seasons in NCAA history with a 3.9 assist to turnover ratio.
Taylor showed his first signs of stardom on a Saturday afternoon in February. Undefeated #1 Ohio State came to town. Halfway through the second half, OSU boasted a double digit lead and it looked like they would remain undefeated. Suddenly Jordan Taylor went on a run in which he suddenly could not miss. Pulling up from the right, the left anywhere. OSU’s double digit lead suddenly became a Wisconsin lead. The Badgers pulled off the 71-67 victory and the students rushed the court. Jordan finished with 27 points including 5 threes and 7 assists.
Jordan finished the season strong, including a 38 point game at Indiana. Unfortunately, the Badger’s high anticipated tournament run was stopped short thanks to a hot Butler team. Jordan was named second team All-American and was a finalist for the Bob Cousy award, by Taylor’s Junior season led to lots of chatter of his NBA decision. Despite rumors on April Fools day, Jordan Taylor would come back for his senior season at Wisconsin.
Jordan started his highly anticipated Senior season off with a shooting slump. Despite his slow start, he led the Badgers to a 10-2 record entering Big Ten play.Despite sky high expectations, Jordan has had a quality senior season thus far, averaging 14.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game. Notable games this year from Jordan would be his 28 point game against MSU and his 19 points, 9 assist, 5 rebound game in a win at Illinois.
Jordan Taylor is currently 9th on Wisconsin’s all time scoring list, and 2nd in career assists. Taylors 617 points in his Junior season ranks 5th in Wisconsin single season history. Jordan is on track to set school and NCAA all time assist to turnover ratio with a 3.12 rating for his career.
Sundays game at Illinois is sure to be an emotional one for Jordan and all Wisconsin fans. We will be losing one of the greatest Badger point guards of all time. Jordan Taylor is one of the good guys in sports. He is truly humble and a player that’s in it for the team first. Jordan will be the first to tell you he gives all the credit to his parents and supportive family. Taylor’s mark on the program and history books will be remembered for a long time. Thank you for your years as a Badger Jordan and On Wisconsin!
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