The Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) will look to build on their 96-64 season opener win against the Campbell Camels, as they host Northern Illinois Friday Nov. 7 at the Kohl Center.
Northern Illinois, located in Dekalb, Illinois, is led by head coach Rashon Burno. Burno enters his fifth season with the Huskies after spending six seasons with Arizona State, most of which came as associate head coach. Before Arizona State, Burno spent time under Billy Donovan —current head coach of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls — as an assistant coach at Florida. The Huskies have not made an NCAA tournament appearance since 1996, and have only made the Big Dance three times in school history.
Like the Badgers, the Huskies are also coming off a victory, defeating Louisiana-Monroe 102-82 on Monday. The Huskies were led by freshman forward Gustav Winther, who scored 18 points alongside 10 rebounds. The 6’10” freshman scored most of his points around the basket and used his size to his advantage. The game’s leading scorer was 6'1” junior Jao Ituka, who scored 19 points.
Another key player for the Huskies is the 6'0” sophomore guard Gianni Cobb. Cobb posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Sophomore guard Makhai Valentine contributed 16 points as well. Although the Huskies do not have accolades like the Badgers, putting up 102 points should never be taken lightly.
The Huskies moved the ball well against Louisiana-Monroe, setting up their corner shooters alongside pick and roll mismatches. Ituka attacked the rim with confidence, and despite his height, is comfortable finishing against taller defenders. He also has no problem shooting a contested three. Winther is loud in the paint and looks for offensive rebounds to score on the second chance opportunity. Junior Hassan Washington also has a major paint presence, being 6'8” and 240 pounds. Cobb sees the floor well and can make snappy passes to disrupt the defense.
The Badgers, meanwhile, come into this game on the heels of their tenth straight season opener victory.
Against Campbell, John Blackwell, who was named to the Naismith Player of the Year watchlist this offseason, exploded for 31 points, one point shy from his career high of 32. The junior guard displayed elite shooting from behind the arc, connecting on six threes, all well displaying scrappiness around the rim. Blackwell was also perfect from the free throw line. With an exquisite performance under his belt, Blackwell looks to continue his dominance against the Huskies.
Senior transfer Nick Boyd added 21 points for the Badgers on Monday. Boyd showed his high level slashing ability, displaying patience around the rim setting up his best shot. Boyd also controlled the tempo of the game, speeding up when necessary and taking his time to cross half court if the situation needed it. Boyd was also an effective communicator, directing his team and wearing his emotion on his sleeve.
Junior forward Nolan Winter also showed promise on Monday, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds. However, when given the opportunity in the paint, Winter shied away from the contact and kicked the ball back out to reset the play. It is essential Winter use his size to back down defenders and punish them when the Badgers begin to play teams with real size. But as of right now, he relies mostly on his jumpshot and fast break opportunities to score. Winter will match up against Winther Friday and will have his first test against a solid, traditional big man.
For Wisconsin to put this game out of reach fast, they need to execute their pick and roll offense and create mismatches in the paint. They also need to set up their shooters, as well get Blackwell scoring early. When everyone plays their individual role on this team, it’s really hard to stop the Badgers.
