When the Badgers take the floor Wednesday at the Kohl Center against Minnesota, the main focus of the Golden Gophers will be to stop the Wisconsin duo of sophomore guard Devin Harris and junior forward Mike Wilkinson. However, this year's team possesses a versatile bench that gives the Badgers energy, scoring and a defensive presence that has aided them in a quest for a third consecutive Big Ten title.
The bench has become a focal point of the team this year due to the injuries of starters sophomore guard Alando Tucker (out for the remainder of the season) and Freddie Owens. However, their absences have paved the way for fresh faces to emerge as essential contributors to the team.
Most apparent has been the consistent play of college transfer junior forward Zach Morley, whose rebounding ability on both ends of the floor and constant energy and hustle have made him an ideal fit for this year's team.
\He brings more energy,"" Harris said. ""He's a hard rebounder that does the dirty work and is able to finish down low for us.""
Morley has made a fluent transition from his previous role as sixth man to cracking the starting lineup, making Morley a household name around Madison as his unselfish style of play has made him a solid player and contributor.
Another Badger that has been essential to the team's success has been sophomore forward Ray Nixon who, at 6'8"", can score from the perimeter as well as showing defensive tenacity.
Nixon flourished off the bench this year, accepting the responsibility of being a consistent threat on a daily basis. His playing time increased steadily this season after going through the learning process last year as a freshman.
""It's all about repetition,"" Nixon said. ""Last year I didn't see that many reps, but this year, the more I play, the more comfortable I feel.""
Nixon's comfort level seems to be at an all-time high at this point of the season. He gives the Badgers an athletic forward that can come out and shoot the three, as well as going down and banging in the low post, something that can clearly be seen in Bo Ryan's swing offense.
""I feel more comfortable on the perimeter, but if I have to get in there and play in the post, I will,"" Nixon said.
However, when talking about perimeter scoring, no Badger has been shooting as well as Clayton Hanson. The sharp shooter off the bench has awoken from his slump early in the season and had his break-out game against Michigan, scoring 17 points.
""I've really always had that scoring mentality."" Hanson said. ""It's not my main concern. I want to be solid on the defensive end, and if the open shot is there in the context of the offense, knock it down.""
The recent success may be more special for Hanson, who followed Head Coach Bo Ryan from the UW-Milwaukee program to Madison and is now beginning to see the benefits of his hard work.
""It says a lot about commitment and being able to work hard and follow through, and then the rewards will come,"" Hanson said.
Along with Hanson, Nixon and Morley, junior forward Andreas Helmigk and sophomore guard Boo Wade have provided even greater depth for the Badgers coming off the bench. Wade averages seven ppg and Helmigk's height has helped him have several explosive games.
The rewards are coming for these players and the Badgers team as a whole, and for continued success down the road, the team will rely on its explosive bench play to compliment the duo of Harris and Wilkinson.
