The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team skyrocketed to No. 6 in the AP Poll Monday behind dominant performances from AJ Storr and the recently successful Max Klesmit.
The seven-spot jump after their win against Michigan State Friday marked significant progress since last season, when Wisconsin failed to make the NCAA tournament. The last time the Badgers were ranked this high was in the 2020-21 season.
Some of that success came from the consistency of returning players, such as Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn. Additionally, sophomore and Saint John’s transfer Storr, along with Klesmit, a junior who has had his best season to date, have undoubtedly made significant contributions to the team. They’re the missing pieces the Badgers needed.
At this time last season, the Badgers were 12-8 overall and 4-6 in the Big Ten. This year, they are 16-4 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has cut their losses by 50% and doubled their conference wins. And it’s not by luck — Wisconsin is dominating offensively, averaging 10.3 more points per game than last season (76.0 compared to 65.3 points).
The Badgers’ success is most visible in their wins playing opponents they struggled against last year. Last season, Wisconsin lost to Nebraska by 10 points, and this year they prevailed by 16. Ohio State knocked Wisconsin out of the Big Ten Tournament last year, winning by eight points. This year, the Badgers have already beaten Ohio State by 11 points on the road.
AJ Storr has brought astonishing talent to the Badgers in his first season with Wisconsin. He currently leads the team in average points per game at 15.9 points. For comparison, Wisconsin’s leading scorer last year, Chucky Hepburn, had an average of 12.2 points per game That’s 3.7 points less than Storr’s current average.
Storr recently recorded a dominating performance against Michigan State. He put up 28 points for the Badgers, which accounted for more than a third of the team’s total points. His continued growth and success has been vital to Wisconsin’s victories.
Additionally, Klesmit has stepped up to the plate in his second season with the Badgers.
Klesmit had an inconsistent start to this season, scoring 32 points in the first five games and averaging 6.4 points. However, Klesmit put up a total of 77 points in the past five games this season, averaging 15.4 points per game. Klesmit leads Wisconsin in three-pointers with 33 so far this season. Almost half (15) came in the past five games.
Storr’s phenomenal performances, along with Klesmit’s recent contributions and unfailing ability to step up for Wisconsin, have been imperative to the team’s high ranking. Coupled with Storr and Klesmit’s abilities is the consistent, high-level play from the rest of the team, which puts Wisconsin on a good trajectory to be a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
The Badgers will travel to play Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. as they attempt to avenge last year’s loss against the Cornhuskers and continue their push toward March.
