After the dominating performances of UW junior guard Devin Harris and junior forward Mike Wilkinson last Saturday against Illinois, any question that these two are the team's best players was answered.
For most of the season, the two have not disappointed, leading the Badgers to an impressive 13 wins in 16 games and a three-way tie for the top spot in the Big Ten. The top two scorers on the team, either Harris (16.9) or Wilkinson (12.1) have led UW in scoring in every contest but three this season.
Especially after the last game in which both players tallied career highs in points and amassed 71 percent of the team's offense, it's hard to deny that Harris and Wilkinson are one of the best tandems in not only the Big Ten, but also the entire nation.
With these two players getting the bulk of the attention and recognition on Head Coach Bo Ryan's No. 18-ranked Badgers squad, and deservedly so, sometimes overlooked and under appreciated is the play of the other starters, primarily junior forward Zach Morley and sophomore guard Boo Wade.
Although new to the starting role, Morley continues to provide the intangibles when on the court. Diving for loose balls, hitting the offensive glass or attacking the defense in the paint, Morley has maintained his strong play lately despite coming off the bench for the first 14 games of the season.
\Before I had a little time to see what the other team was doing and to see how guys react to certain things,"" Morley said. ""Now I just have to be ready from the start to do the little things, whatever the team needs me to do, play defense, rebound, score, just whatever.""
Averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, Morley compliments the starting five nicely with his athleticism, ability to stretch the defense and quickness. In 27 minutes last Saturday, the Missouri native pitched in six points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Much of Wisconsin's success against Illinois was also a result of the defense played on the Fighting Illini starting backcourt. Part of the UW starting lineup all season, Wade represents the model of consistency each game with his work for the team.
Scoring not necessarily his biggest concern offensively on the court, Wade has shown the ability to break down the defense and have an advantage when posting up opposing guards. Scoring 7.1 points per game, it is, however, defensively where Wade proves his worth.
""I go out there and do exactly what Coach needs me to do, lock down my man and keep my man from scoring any points,"" Wade said. ""I've been matching up with a lot of good guards so my main job is to shut them down and then to step in and make the extra pass and hit the open shot on offense.""
Morley and Wade may play different styles on the floor, but, their efforts are very similar, productive and in the best interests of a team seeking its third-straight Big Ten title. Combined with the improved play of senior center Dave Mader, junior guard Clayton Hanson and sophomore foward Ray Nixon, the Badgers appear to be in good shape despite injuries to senior guard Freddie Owens and sophomore forward Alando Tucker.
""We know those guys will always come to play hard,"" Wilkinson said. ""It may not show in their points every game, but there is so much more to do on the floor than score points. With this team we expect everyone to do everything each night.""
For the Badgers, their next chance to test the Big Ten will come Wednesday night at Ohio State.
