2006 Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Preview

2006 Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Predictions

With four starters returning and coach Bo Ryan (112- 49 over 5 years) comfortably ensconced as the head man, the Wisconsin Badgers (19- 12 overall and 9- 7 Big 10), a team that finished fifth last year, are ready to compete for the conference title.

Guard Kammron Taylor (14.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 38.5 FG%, 82.9 FT%), now a senior, must provide consistent scoring throughout the long season. Although he started strong last year, his output diminished as the season went on. Freshman Trevon Hughes could see action at the point if he can learn to protect the ball, while frosh Mickey Perry offers tenacious “D” and a nice touch from the perimeter. First-year man Jason Bohannon is a solid point maker.

Alando Tucker (19.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 45.3 FG%, 54.5 FT%), who can score from the inside and the outside, is not the most graceful player, but he can get the job done on offense. Last season, Tucker played injured; this year he’s healthy and should play even better. Center Greg Stiemsma (2.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 55.3 FG%, 42.9 FT%), a junior, is back from academic problems as is sophomore Marcus Landry (6.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 47.4 FG%, 71.4 FT%). Landry can hit threes or shoot and hit when crowded inside. Stiemsma is a sound shooter and a good shot blocker. The inside game looks good for the Badgers.

After taking their licks last season and toughing it out, Bo Ryan’s team is blessed with depth. A good incoming class of players doesn’t hurt this team’s chances of going to the top of the heap. There’s scoring, fine speed and banging bulk on this Badger club. They also have a strong work ethic.

The Wisconsin Badgers will be much better than they were in 2005- 06. The Ohio State Buckeyes will have to watch their backs as a finely tuned Wisconsin club prepares to muscle its way towards the top. The NCAA Tournament is certainly in sight and the Badgers have the ability to go deep into March.

If you want more info on the 2006 Wisconsin Badgers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Illinois Fighting Illini.