UW sophomore forward Dave Mader doesn't look like he should be a cult hero.
Sure, he's intimidating at 6'11\ and 240 pounds (a pessimistic assessment by Wisconsin's men's basketball media guide), but he is not the kind of player that gives an opposing defense fits. Mader, a starter, is the seventh-leading scorer on the team, averaging just 3.3 points per game. He's only recorded a double-digit point total once in his collegiate career, putting in 10 points in UW's 64-56 win over Iowa Feb. 19.
But still, he's respected by his teammates and coaches'as well as die-hard Badger fans'for the effort he puts into practices and games.
""Mader's great,"" junior guard Kirk Penney said. ""Mader works hard day in and day out.""
Mader has been showing his solid work ethic for the past three years. The Appleton, Wis., native came to Wisconsin as a freshman in the fall of 1999, expecting to learn under the defense-oriented coaching style of Dick Bennett. However, Mader decided to take a redshirt during his freshman campaign. The Badgers made it to the Final Four that year, and Mader worked on improving his balance and footwork while building up his body to compete with the physical play in the Big Ten.
During his second season, Mader played in 17 of UW's 29 games, averaging 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game off the bench. This season, however, Mader is in the starting line-up, something that he said has been quite a transition.
""I think it's a lot different now because I'm counted on to put some minutes in,"" Mader said.
Mader's increase in playing time'he recorded a career-high 28 minutes against Iowa Feb. 19'is something that can only help his game develop, according to UW assistant coach Rob Jeter.
""What Dave needs is games,"" Jeter said. ""He's done a lot in the off-season working by himself and working on his post moves, but he needs more game-like situations, and that's what he's getting this year.""
So far this season, Mader has found success when given the opportunity for more playing time. Against Iowa, Mader scored 10 points in 28 minutes, including an electrifying slam dunk over Iowa senior forward Reggie Evans in the second half. Mader also played a solid game in the Badgers' 72-66 win over Illinois Jan. 5, scoring nine points in 14 minutes.
According to UW senior forward Charlie Wills, the increase in playing time has helped Mader pick up some of the basics every player needs in order to be successful.
""He's learning little things he needs to do'the positioning, how to keep his balance, how to take it up strong,"" Wills said. ""He's really learned those things as he's gotten more and more time this year. I think if he keeps getting the same amount of time, I think he'll keep progressing in the same way that he has so far.""
However, not every game this season has been successful for Mader. He frequently gets into early foul trouble, which limits his playing time. Also, Mader said he needs to continue to work on all aspects of his game, from ballhandling to defense to shot selection.
""It's been a struggle at times,"" Mader said. ""It's really come down to perseverance.""
Mader's perseverance has shown itself throughout the season, and he said that he is confident that he'll be able to contribute for the Badgers as much as possible.
""I just want to play as hard as I can every minute I'm on the floor,"" he said.
