Despite returning three starters and 12 letter-winners from last year's 24-9 squad, much of the pre-season focus has been on the newcomers to badger basketball.
Still, No. 24 Wisconsin is faced with the task of finding replacements for two of their three All-Big Ten selections from last season, guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes.
Although junior guard Jordan Taylor, a starter toward the latter part of last year, is likely to be tapped for the starting point, the race for the second guard vacancy is wide open.
One player in the mix is freshman Josh Gasser. A former high school quarterback, the 6'3"" Port Washington, Wis. native has impressed coach Bo Ryan throughout pre-season workouts and into the early practice and scrimmage slate.
""Josh Gasser is not 18, or 19. He's 21, 22,"" Ryan said. ""The way he sees the floor is maturing.""
While coach Ryan has certainly been impressed by the leadership experience and floor sense of Gasser, he also noted that another freshman, Ben Brust, has been off the charts in his displays of athleticism.
Seen by many as a Bohannon-type player, the former Iowa recruit and late Badger pickup has quickly become another potential option as Ryan and the badger coaching staff try to fill the gaping hole in that final guard spot.
""Ben Brust is the fastest guy coming off screens that I've ever coached,"" Ryan said. ""I've had some guys with a little bit of speed, but he's like a bullet.""
Though the second guard spot is the obvious question mark heading into Saturday's exhibition opener, the other newcomers are sure to play a pivotal role in supporting a cast of big men that includes returning starters, seniors Keaton Nankavil and Jon Leuer.
One of the biggest questions among this group is the status of freshman Evan Anderson. The 7-foot Stanley, Wis. native was thought to be leaning toward redshirting, but coach Ryan was quick to note that Anderson's work in practice has gotten him to a level where that route is no longer a foregone conclusion.
The final piece of the freshman puzzle, 6'8"" freshman Duje Dukan, remains a work in progress with tremendous upside.
Although this diverse set of newcomers look poised to blend in well with the noted culture of badger basketball, there is sure to be a learning curve, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
""The biggest thing all four of them have to learn is what we do defensively,"" Ryan said. ""You can always go to a playground, to the open gyms, and you're fine. Defense is what's gonna make the difference.""
As the season looms on the horizon, Wisconsin basketball is right on the brink of the national scene, a position this program has grown accustomed to throughout Bo Ryan's tenure.
