Firing on all cylinders: How Wisconsin men’s basketball turned into an offensive juggernaut The 2022-23 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team
In the 2022-23 season, Wisconsin men’s basketball transformed into an offensive juggernaut, a far cry from the defensive-focused teams that had been the hallmark of the program for much of its history. The Badgers have always prided themselves on their gritty, blue-collar approach to the game, often leaning on stout defense and methodical offense. However, this season, head coach Greg Gard’s squad surprised many by shifting the narrative—becoming a high-scoring, dynamic team that could not only defend but also deliver in the most crucial moments with offensive firepower.
Led by a mixture of experienced veterans, promising newcomers, and an increasingly confident coaching staff, the 2022-23 Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team blended offensive creativity with an aggressive mentality. The result? A team that could both light up the scoreboard and hold its own in high-stakes situations—ultimately cementing its place among the Big Ten’s most formidable programs.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight, and several factors came together to elevate the Badgers into an offensive powerhouse. In this piece, we’ll take a deep dive into how Wisconsin’s offense developed into a juggernaut, what it meant for their success, and the key players who helped lead the charge.
The Shift in Offensive Philosophy
For years, Wisconsin had built its reputation on defense and slow-paced offense. Under former head coach Bo Ryan, the Badgers were known for their discipline, solid defensive rotations, and a slow tempo that wore opponents down. The offense, while effective, often relied on patient ball movement and a high basketball IQ. Wisconsin’s system emphasized taking quality shots, particularly from the perimeter, rather than pushing the pace or relying on athleticism.
But Greg Gard, who succeeded Ryan as head coach in 2015, gradually started to experiment with the offensive side of the game. In the 2022-23 season, Wisconsin finally broke free from the traditional mold, transitioning into a more balanced attack that integrated more modern basketball principles, particularly with a faster tempo and increased floor spacing. The key shift was the Badgers’ ability to space the floor, move the ball effectively, and use the three-point shot as a major weapon.
This transition was largely driven by necessity. With a more versatile roster featuring several players capable of shooting the three-pointer with consistency, Gard embraced a more perimeter-oriented offense. While Wisconsin continued to emphasize tough defense and intelligent decision-making, they were no longer just a team that ground out wins through low-scoring, defensive battles. Instead, they had the firepower to match up against even the most potent offenses in the country.
Key Players Who Powered the Offense
The Badgers’ offensive success in 2022-23 wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding performances of several key players. This group of athletes blended scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility, creating a well-rounded unit that could both score in transition and execute in half-court settings.
1. Chucky Hepburn – The Heart and Soul of the Offense
Chucky Hepburn, Wisconsin’s dynamic point guard, played a central role in orchestrating the Badgers’ offense. Hepburn, who had been growing into his role as a leader over the previous seasons, took his game to new heights in 2022-23. Known for his ability to both score and distribute, Hepburn became the driving force behind Wisconsin’s offensive efficiency.
As the starting point guard, Hepburn’s vision and decision-making were critical to the Badgers’ offensive rhythm. He averaged over five assists per game while also contributing as a scorer, with a career-high in points per game. His ability to read defenses, make pinpoint passes, and create opportunities for his teammates was vital for Wisconsin’s success. Hepburn also proved to be a reliable perimeter shooter, hitting timely three-pointers when the Badgers needed a spark. As the offensive leader, he embraced the dual responsibility of facilitating the offense and being a primary scorer when needed.
2. Tyler Wahl – The Versatile Forward
Tyler Wahl, a key senior for Wisconsin, was another crucial figure in the team’s offensive transformation. Wahl’s versatility was on full display in 2022-23 as he became a significant offensive weapon both in the post and on the perimeter. As a forward capable of stretching the floor with his shooting, Wahl provided a mismatch for opposing defenders, and his ability to hit outside shots stretched the defense and opened up space for teammates to operate.
Wahl was also a force on the boards, often generating second-chance opportunities for the Badgers. His leadership and scoring ability were vital as Wisconsin sought to score in transition and generate points without relying solely on half-court offense. His ability to score both inside and out allowed Wisconsin to mix up its offensive sets, keeping opponents on their heels.
3. Steven Crowl – The Big Man with a Soft Touch
Steven Crowl, Wisconsin’s center, was another key player in the team’s offensive resurgence. Known for his soft touch around the rim and exceptional passing ability for a big man, Crowl played a critical role in the Badgers’ offense. While many centers in college basketball focus solely on finishing at the basket, Crowl’s ability to shoot from mid-range and even beyond the arc gave Wisconsin an edge in spacing the floor.
Crowl’s passing ability, in particular, stood out as he often acted as a secondary playmaker from the post. This allowed Wisconsin to run more complex offensive sets, where the ball moved efficiently, and big men were integrated into the playmaking process. Crowl’s scoring and playmaking helped diversify Wisconsin’s offensive attack and made them a much more dangerous team on that end of the floor.
4. Johnny Davis – The Superstar Turned Mentor
Though Johnny Davis had moved on to the NBA after a standout season in 2021-22, his influence on the program and the offensive system remained significant in 2022-23. Davis had set the standard for what Wisconsin basketball could look like when a star player fully embraces the offensive side of the game, combining aggressive scoring with solid decision-making.
In Davis’ absence, the Badgers looked for new leaders, but his legacy of aggressive offensive play left a blueprint for the team. The 2022-23 squad leaned into the lessons learned from Davis’ fearless approach to scoring, relying on Hepburn and Wahl to fill the void he left. While Davis was no longer part of the team, his imprint on the program remained, and it helped shape the mindset and offensive identity of the new squad.
The Rise of the Three-Point Game
One of the most significant changes for Wisconsin in 2022-23 was their increased reliance on the three-point shot. The Badgers’ ability to space the floor and shoot from beyond the arc became a game-changer. In the past, Wisconsin had been known for its mid-range jumpers and post play, but the team’s offensive philosophy began to evolve as more players developed a consistent three-point shot.
Hepburn, Wahl, and Crowl were all capable three-point shooters, and their ability to stretch the defense helped open up lanes for both driving and passing. With opposing defenses forced to cover more ground, Wisconsin’s offense became much more fluid. Additionally, the rise of complementary shooters like Jordan Davis and Ben Carlson allowed the Badgers to effectively use pick-and-pop strategies, opening up scoring opportunities for players at all positions.
Wisconsin’s three-point shooting also allowed them to capitalize on transition opportunities. By shooting with confidence from deep, they were able to score efficiently both in fast breaks and half-court sets, making them a more dangerous team on offense.
The Impact of Transition Play
Another area where Wisconsin’s offense flourished in the 2022-23 season was in transition play. Historically, the Badgers have been a team that preferred a slower pace, relying on half-court offense to generate scoring opportunities. However, with their newfound offensive weapons, Wisconsin began to embrace faster-paced play when the opportunity arose.
Hepburn’s ability to push the ball up the floor and make quick decisions in transition was a critical factor in Wisconsin’s success. Wahl’s versatility also made him an asset in transition, as he could finish in the open floor or pull up for an outside jumper. Wisconsin’s improved transition game allowed them to take advantage of turnovers and get easy baskets before the defense could set, helping to increase their offensive output.
