BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. — A year ago, they left the Red/White scrimmage buzzing about Bronson Koenig (16 points, 5 assists, 3 steals), Ethan Happ (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Andy Van Vliet (7 points, 8 rebounds).
The Reds won, 48-46, on Happ's two free throws with seven seconds left. Yet, it wasn't a precursor of things to come from the stripe for Happ who shot only 50 percent (81-162) for the season.
That aside, the relentless, 6-foot-10 Happ did establish himself as one of the most dynamic low-post players in college basketball with his scoring, rebounding, steals and ball-handling.
There may not be a better short putter in the game today. Those two-footers aren't gimmes. It's why his name is on so many watch lists and attached to all those All-American teams.
An October scrimmage should not temper, nor raise expectations. It should serve as a public introduction to the newcomers and growth chart on the returning personnel, however incomplete.
Here are some thoughts from the Kohl Center:
SCOREBOARD WATCHING
Walking into the building, it was hard not to notice 1) the giant, video board hanging over center court and the sharper, brighter ring boards and 2) Bo Ryan who was seated at the scorer's table between head coach Greg Gard and official scorer Otto Puls for the scrimmage. Puls humored everyone with stories about how he had to pull splinters out of his hand from dunking on peach baskets as a youth. Ryan's wife, Kelly, was behind the home team bench not far from Zak Showalter.
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
On the first possession, Khalil Iverson scored on a strong inside move after getting Kobe King to bite on a fake and leave his feet. Moments later, King countered at the other end with a mid-range jumper and followed that score with a post-up and jump-hook. King scored on a variety of shots and flashed 3-point range. Smooth. Seemed comfortable without ball, no small thing for a first-year player who was used to having the ball in his hands all the time as prep.
CHARLES, CHARLIE, CHUCK
By any name, Charles Thomas, IV made VI of IX field goal attempts. Asserted himself around basket and finished. He also had the loudest cheering section in stands. Thomas and Alex Illikainen may be in that "Wild Card" category again. Frontcourt minutes are available. Who will emerge? Besides Van Vliet, that is. He has already made a favorable impression on the staff. The White team pressured full-court after a FT make and Van Vliet swallowed up the in-bounder with his wingspan. His length and skills pique curiosity.
FRESHMAN FOCUS
When one of Wisconsin's legendary team leaders, Josh Gasser, is already sending out tweets on your behalf ("Man, fans are gonna love this Davison kid very quickly"), it's a good thing. Brad Davison didn't disappoint. Many different elements to his game and a gritty leadership style are high on the list. He isn't shy about putting the ball on the floor and attacking, which should complement his perimeter shooting. He should also be good on-ball defender and won't hesitate to "get into" an opponent.
THREE SPREE
Brevin Pritzl buried his first three shots from beyond the 3-point arc. The Badgers will have to find some consistent firepower from the outside. Shots should be available with defenses collapsing around Happ. Pressure release is needed.
D'Mitrik Trice is another candidate to stretch with the three-ball. He shot 42% as freshman. Most of UW's 3's during Sunday's scrimmage came from transition offense. Pushing the ball could create space for Happ even when he's doing the pushing. An up-tempo offense won't allow the D to set up and take away the low block.
RANDOM RAMBLINGS
Iverson should have a significant role as rebounder, inside scorer and defender. Size should not be a deterrent in any of those categories. Aaron Moesch will earn some blue-collar minutes. Expectations were high for Aleem Ford who will need some time to make the adjustment from redshirt scout team to potential contributor in rotation. Freshman "big" Nate Reuvers may also need some time — to grow into his frame. This team's growth spurt from October to March may be sizeable.
