Dusty May’s remarks regarding Wisconsin basketball prior to the Big Ten championship game.

In college basketball, the Big Ten tournament stands as one of the most thrilling events of the season. It serves not only as a platform for teams to make a last-ditch effort to solidify their NCAA Tournament seeding but also as an arena where rivalries are intensified and championship aspirations are tested. The 2025 Big Ten Championship was particularly noteworthy for a number of reasons, not least of which was the involvement of Wisconsin basketball, a program that had experienced a mix of highs and lows during the season but was entering the tournament with momentum.

Dusty May, the head coach of the Florida Atlantic University Owls, had been keeping a close eye on the Big Ten tournament. As a coach with aspirations of building a perennial powerhouse and competing at the highest level of college basketball, May understood the significance of the Big Ten Championship and the challenges that Wisconsin would face. With his own team preparing for a potential deep run in their respective postseason tournament, May was asked about his thoughts on Wisconsin’s program, its prospects in the Big Ten Championship game, and the style of play that had brought the Badgers to this point.

This article breaks down Dusty May’s remarks regarding Wisconsin basketball, focusing on his thoughts on their strategy, team dynamics, and the matchups leading up to the Big Ten Championship. His comments not only offer a look into the mind of a coach but also provide insight into what makes Wisconsin basketball a unique program with a specific identity within the Big Ten Conference.

Dusty May’s Overview of Wisconsin Basketball: A Program Built on Fundamentals

Before diving into the specifics of the upcoming Big Ten Championship, May took a step back and offered an overview of what makes Wisconsin basketball such a formidable opponent. The Badgers, under the leadership of head coach Greg Gard, have long been known for their gritty, hard-nosed style of play—one that emphasizes fundamental basketball and thrives on defense. May was quick to acknowledge the unique identity that Wisconsin has cultivated over the years, one that has consistently made them a force in the Big Ten.

“Anyone who’s followed Wisconsin basketball for any length of time knows that they are a team that values defense above all else,” May said. “Their physicality and attention to detail on the defensive end set them apart. They’re going to make you earn every point, and they do a great job of controlling the tempo of the game. I’ve always admired that about Coach Gard’s teams—they never beat themselves, and they play with a level of toughness that is really hard to match.”

Wisconsin’s defense has often been the backbone of their success, with the team priding itself on forcing opponents into tough shots, limiting second-chance opportunities, and maintaining a disciplined approach to matchups. The Badgers’ reliance on their defense is rooted in the belief that in March, where games often come down to the smallest of margins, a solid defensive foundation can carry a team through tough stretches and give them the upper hand in close contests.

In a season where offense had occasionally been inconsistent, May highlighted how Wisconsin’s defense had remained a constant. The Badgers had mastered the art of keeping games in check, rarely allowing teams to score in bunches and always ensuring that they could grind out possessions when needed.

The Evolution of Wisconsin’s Offense: A Potential Threat in the Big Ten Championship

While defense had traditionally been Wisconsin’s calling card, May also noted the evolution of the Badgers’ offense under Greg Gard’s leadership. As teams in the Big Ten had become more dynamic on offense, with faster tempos and high-scoring outputs, the Badgers had responded by adapting and refining their own offensive approach to stay competitive.

“Offensively, I think Wisconsin has really evolved,” May observed. “You look at their ability to space the floor, and they have guys who can stretch the defense. Whether it’s Chucky Hepburn or Tyler Wahl, those are players who can create mismatches with their shooting and versatility. And what I really like about them is that they don’t rely on one player to do everything. They play a very balanced game, and that makes them hard to defend.”

Chucky Hepburn, the Badgers’ sophomore point guard, had developed into one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons. His ability to score from the perimeter and drive to the basket made him a dual threat. Tyler Wahl, the senior forward, had long been the heart of the Badgers’ lineup, offering scoring, rebounding, and leadership. In the 2025 season, Wahl’s game had grown as he became more of a focal point offensively, showing an ability to shoot from distance as well as finish around the rim.

May specifically singled out Wahl’s development and how it had opened up new opportunities for the Badgers offensively.

“I’ve always respected Tyler Wahl’s game,” May commented. “He’s someone who can do so many things well. He can score in the post, stretch the defense with his shooting, and make plays for his teammates. That balance is what gives Wisconsin a little more of an edge this year compared to previous seasons.”

In terms of the Big Ten Championship game, May believed that the Badgers’ offensive balance would play a key role in their ability to keep up with any team, regardless of how fast-paced the game became. “They are not going to out-run you, but they’ll outsmart you,” he said. “And when they can control the flow of the game and make the right adjustments offensively, they can be very dangerous.”

Matchup Breakdown: How Wisconsin Could Handle Their Opponent in the Big Ten Championship

Looking specifically at the upcoming Big Ten Championship game, May provided some analysis on how Wisconsin could approach the game against their opponent, a team that had been one of the most consistent in the conference all season. May emphasized the importance of Wisconsin maintaining its composure and sticking to the game plan, particularly when faced with an opponent that had the potential to turn the game into a high-scoring affair.

“Wisconsin is not a team that gets rattled easily,” May remarked. “I think that’s going to be huge in the championship game. They’re going to have to weather some runs, especially if their opponent can get out in transition or hit some outside shots. But I trust that they’ll stay poised. They’re a team that knows how to close out games, and they’ve been battle-tested in the Big Ten all year.”

May was particularly keen on how Wisconsin could limit the impact of fast-break points and 3-point shooting, two aspects that could swing momentum in favor of a high-tempo opponent. He pointed to the Badgers’ experience in dealing with quick, high-scoring teams and how their ability to execute on defense—along with their methodical offensive approach—could serve as the great equalizer.

“Limiting fast-break opportunities will be key,” May said. “If Wisconsin can get back on defense, get set, and not allow their opponent to run wild in transition, they’ll have a much better chance of controlling the game. And then offensively, they need to take their time. Make the opponent play defense for long stretches and force them to adjust. If they do that, Wisconsin is going to be in great shape.”

One particular matchup that May focused on was the potential battle in the post. With Wisconsin’s reliance on Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl, the Badgers’ ability to get easy buckets inside while also maintaining perimeter shooting could create a nightmare for the opposing defense. May speculated that Wisconsin would likely look to exploit mismatches in the paint and challenge the opposing frontcourt to defend their bigs.

“Don’t be surprised if they go inside early and often,” May predicted. “Crowl and Wahl are skilled in the post, and I think Wisconsin will try to establish that presence early. If they can score in the paint and make their opponent collapse defensively, that opens up things for their perimeter players.”

Dusty May’s Final Thoughts: The Essence of Wisconsin Basketball

As the conversation wrapped up, May expressed his admiration for what Greg Gard had built at Wisconsin. Though his own team had also had a successful season, May was quick to recognize that the Badgers’ identity was one of consistency, resilience, and a blue-collar mentality.

“At the end of the day, Wisconsin is always going to be one of the toughest teams to play against,” May concluded. “They don’t have the flashiest players, but they have guys who are tough, skilled, and well-coached. That’s why they’ve been so successful in the Big Ten. And if they can continue playing their brand of basketball in the championship game, they’ll give themselves every chance to win.”

With Dusty May’s analysis in mind, it was clear that Wisconsin’s reputation for tough defense, versatile offense, and mental toughness made them a formidable opponent in the Big Ten Championship game. The Badgers were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, and they would rely on their signature style of basketball to try to secure the title. Whether or not they emerged victorious, the foundation that Greg Gard had established in Wisconsin basketball would continue to shine through as the team looked to build on its strong postseason run.