Are the Wisconsin Badgers about to unleash a secret weapon in their freshman class? Head Coach Greg Gard seems to think so, singling out a few newcomers who are already exceeding expectations. But here's where it gets controversial... not all freshmen are created equal, and Gard isn't shy about highlighting which players are further along in their development as the Badgers gear up for the 2025-26 season. Get ready to have your expectations challenged!
With the annual Red-White scrimmage and an exhibition game against the Oklahoma Sooners fast approaching, Wisconsin is poised to reveal a revamped roster featuring nine fresh faces, including a trio vying for starting roles. While last year's team boasted impressive depth, the 2025 Badgers could be even deeper, fueled by a promising freshman class. Consider this: a strong bench can be just as crucial as a stellar starting lineup, providing valuable rest for key players and injecting energy into the game when needed most.
The Badgers' 2026 recruiting haul includes two homegrown talents: four-star guard Zach Kinziger and three-star center Will Garlock. Adding international flavor are guards Hayden Jones and forward Aleksas Bieliauskas. Each player has turned heads early on, but the question remains: How does Coach Gard envision their roles and potential playing time as the season unfolds?
"I think [Aleksas] Bieliauskas and [Hayden] Jones, because of their international and their playing experience, has put them [ahead] of, maybe not ahead of Will [Garlock] or Zach [Kinziger], but just ahead of your normal freshman," Gard notes. And this is the part most people miss... the sheer volume of high-level basketball these international players have already experienced. "Aleksas is going to be 20 here in another 40 days or so. So, maturity-wise, he’s a little older, a little more physically mature, and again, I just can’t discount how valuable what they’ve experienced in the World Cups and the Euro Cups and the things they’ve been a part of." Think of it like this: they've already been through the pressure cooker of international competition, which can give them a significant edge over players who are just now adjusting to the college game.
Gard continues, "We’ll see when we get lights on and we really have to perform in front of a crowd. But, what they’ve done on the court has been impressive. And then Will, I think he’s probably the one of the four new guys that’s caught everybody on the staff by surprise. I knew he was going to be big and get bigger as time went on, but he’s been, from a physical standpoint, from run, jump, catch, rebound, above the rim, finish above the rim, he’s further along than I thought he would be and he’s really taken some jumps here since June. So, for him again, when we get into live action and get into games, how does he respond?" Could Garlock be the surprise package that transforms the Badgers' frontcourt? His athleticism and potential to dominate around the rim could be a game-changer.
"And Zach’s just been, Zach’s a bulldog. I can see Zach being a gamer. He knocked down big shots on Saturday in our scrimmage, and, like I said, they all bring something a little bit different in terms of their skill set. I think Bieliauskas can play both post positions. Jones has been really good at the point, and at 6’6, 6’7, that’s a heck of a weapon to have somebody like that that can handle the ball that well and make good decisions. And obviously Zach and Will, Will specifically, bring something that we don’t have a lot of, and haven’t had a rim runner guy that big that can move like that in a while." Imagine Jones, a towering point guard, orchestrating the offense – a truly unique and potentially devastating asset.
According to reports, this freshman class may be the most game-ready group Gard has seen in recent years, each bringing a unique skillset to the table. For Kinziger, his scoring prowess is undeniable. He's physically ready and shows flashes of being a microwave scorer, capable of heating up quickly and providing instant offense off the bench. While he needs to refine his defense and fill out his frame, his scoring touch gives him a legitimate shot at early playing time. But here's where it gets controversial... can a player with defensive liabilities truly thrive in Gard's system, known for its emphasis on disciplined defense?
Jones has been thrust into the point guard role, a new position that he's embraced with enthusiasm. There have been ups and downs, but the coaching staff is impressed with his experience and believes he's ready to contribute, especially given his exceptional size for a point guard. Bieliauskas's familiarity with ball screen actions makes him a natural fit for the Badgers' offensive scheme. While he needs to refine his game on both ends of the court, his basketball IQ appears to be higher than the average freshman. But this raises a question: can his international experience translate seamlessly to the physicality and pace of the Big Ten?
Garlock, the most physically gifted of the bunch at his position, offers something completely different at center. The Badgers may look to utilize his unique abilities early on. While the game can feel a bit fast for him at times, his imposing physique and athleticism make him a true rim protector and rebounder – a rare commodity on the roster. This is where it gets interesting... will Gard prioritize Garlock's raw potential over more experienced, albeit less physically imposing, options at center?
This group is undoubtedly hungry for playing time, and several have already made a strong case for earning it. Who do YOU think will make the biggest impact this season? Are you as excited about Garlock's potential as the coaching staff seems to be? Or do you think the international experience of Bieliauskas and Jones will give them a leg up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
