NCAA Tournament — Monday, April 7, 2014
Wisconsin Badgers
Record
OVERALL: 30-7
CONFERENCE: 12-6
HOME: 14-3
ROAD: 8-3
NEUTRAL: 8-1
12.2% turnover percentage. 2nd best in the country
6.7% steal percentage (7th)
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THE OPPONENT Wisconsin enters this game coming off a 64-63 win vs. Arizona, and winning 13 of its past 15 games. Offensively, the Badgers run a “swing offense.” They “swing” the ball with constant movement and cutting. All five players are interchangeable in their positions on the floor, in an attempt to create mismatches and lapses in the defense. The idea is that, with patience and continuous movement of the ball, eventually Wisconsin will catch the defense off-guard. If the defense lapses, or doesn’t defend a cutter hard enough, or helps too much on a ball screen, Wisconsin will immediately take advantage with a skip pass and a shot attempt. If the defense is focused, disciplined and patient for 35 seconds every possession, it should be OK. But defending every possession all the way through is not easy. Again, Wisconsin will strike if the defense slips. It’s a “workman’s” offense, where the offense grinds out every possession, but the defense must keep up as well. Wisconsin is an excellent passing team, and they have several shooters. They are patient and they take care of the ball (12.2% turnover percentage is 2nd best in the country). All five Wisconsin starters can shoot the 3. Four players average double-figures, and four players average at least four rebounds. This is a team effort. Point guard Traevon Jackson is vital to Wisconsin’s attack. A 6-2, 210-pound lefty, Jackson is the biggest threat to penetrate and create. Jackson plays “downhill,” looking to use his strength to get to the rim. However, he strongly favors his left hand, going to his strong side on 70% of his drives. 23% of Jackson’s offense is in the pick-and-roll, where he takes a dribble jumper 50% of the time, and finishes at the basket 30% of the time. Wisconsin is a patient team steadfast in its crisp ball movement, but Jackson is the “head of the snake.” He is their only penetrator, and thus makes the defense move from side to side. If you can apply early pressure and get under him, you can keep Jackson out of the lane and stagnate Wisconsin’s offense. Alongside Jackson on the perimeter are Ben Brust and Josh Gasser. Both are 6-3, and both are good shooters, particularly on the catch. Brust is more proven (he attempts six 3′s per game), while Gasser is more prudent in his shot selection, but they can both shoot. They’ll release from deep, so you must be ready on the catch. Wisconsin plays a relatively small backcourt—all three guards are 6-3—but if left open, everyone will seize the opportunity to shoot. As mentioned, though, only Jackson is a proven ball handler. If you can make Brust and Gasser put the ball on the floor, you will make them uncomfortable. Sam Dekker, a top-20 recruit out of high school, is a 6-7 hybrid forward for the Badgers. Dekker excels in their swing offense because he can score from anywhere on the floor. Dekker can get to the rim off one bounce, but he’s also an excellent shooter with deep range. He can catch on the perimeter to shoot or shot-fake, and can get to the rim with ease. He’s a versatile swingman who scores from anywhere on the floor, and does a good job of filling cutting. Be aware of Dekker cutting off the ball, or running in transition. Dekker struggles to handle the ball under pressure, so you should apply pressure early on, and then shadow him for the rest of the possession. On the “interior” is 7-footer Frank Kaminsky, who is Wisconsin’s leading scorer and rebounder. Kaminsky plays the center position, but he can rotate anywhere on the floor and make an impact. He’s a deadeye catch-and-shoot player, with range to the 3-point line. His jump shot, coupled with good footwork and quickness for his size, make him a dangerous screener; he can quickly roll to the hoop, or pop out for a jump shot. Kaminsky has proven to be one of the toughest matchups in college basketball. He can step out and shoot the 3 (space the defense), but he also has the size and footwork to score over his left shoulder in the post. Kaminsky is converting 62% of his 2-pointers during the NCAA Tournament. He also recorded seven offensive rebounds vs. Arizona. Simply put, he’s recently been a force inside the arc. To stop Kaminsky, you must limit his touches. Amida Brimah’s length could bother Kaminsky, but it will be a group effort defensively because Kaminsky is constantly on the move and can set up from anywhere. Coming off the bench for Wisconsin are freshmen Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig. Hayes is a 6-7 power forward, with a reliable mid-range jumper, and the ability to drive the ball going right when defenders close out. Hayes has given Wisconsin a solid burst off the bench. He will knock down the 15-footer when given space. Koenig is a catch shoot threat from 3. He’s also the team’s second-best penetrator, behind Jackson. He’s not the most flashy player, but Koenig takes care of the basketball, facilitates smoothly, and can make you pay if you allow him to shoot. Overall, Wisconsin uses constant ball movement and cutting to find open looks or create favorable matchups. They’ll “swing the ball and cut” for 20 seconds in a possession, and then try to make something happen. Jackson can penetrate, particularly going left; Brust and Gasser are good shooters; Dekker is an x-factor swingman who can score from anywhere on the floor and has athleticism to finish in transition; and Kaminsky is supremely gifted offensively, though limiting his offensive rebounds will minimize his touches and overall impact. Hayes and Koenig provide an offensive punch in the second unit. An extremely poised, well-coached and well-executing team. Wisconsin won’t beat itself. Defensive ball pressure and defending for 35 seconds will be essential in this game. KEYS TO WIN — Wisconsin’s guards are slow defensively. They are a porous defense (allowing 1.0 PPP), and the dribble-drive game of Napier/Boatright should be effective — Box out Frank Kaminsky; limit him to one shot per possession STARTERS RESERVES PF — Nigel Hayes (6-7) #12 Traevon Jackson (JR) — 10.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4 APG 41% FG What He Brings: — Primary ball handler and penetrator. Lefty. Video Pick and Roll Scoring Dribble-jumper makes (capable but not great) Driving to the basket (he prefers this) Pick and Roll Passing Transition misses (unathletic, forces going left) Assists / court vision Isolation points Spot up misses (forces it) Driving right (weak) #1 Ben Brust (SR) — 12.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 APG 42% FG What He Brings: — 75% of attempts are jump shots. Converting 38%. Video 3-Point shooting Catch and Shoot Off the Dribble Shooting “Short jumpers” Around the Basket finishes Dribble jumper on pick-and-roll #21 Josh Gasser (JR) — 9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG 44% FG What He Brings: — 47 of 83 made field goals are 3′s Video Off the Dribble Misses (2-10 this season) 3-Point Shooting (almost all are catch and shoot) #15 Sam Dekker (SO) — 12.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.5 APG 47% FG What He Brings: — “X-factor.” Constant activity and cutting, can score from anywhere Video Recent scoring 3-Point shooting Off the Dribble misses (struggles handling the ball under pressure) Cutting (very active and athletic; converting 75% of cuts) #44 Frank Kaminsky (JR) — 14 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 BPG 53% FG What He Brings: — Well-rounded scorer who can rotate anywhere and make an impact. — Averaging 6.3 rebounds per game. Limit Kaminsky to one touch per possession. Video Jump Shots (virtually all are catch-and-shoot) Put-backs (touches) Pick and Pop Pick and Roll Post Move (takes one dribble, then shoots over left shoulder) Cutting Isolation Points RESERVES #10 Nigel Hayes (FR) — 7.8 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 SPG 51% FG What He Brings: — Active and intense stretch-4. Can shoot the mid-range jumper, or drive going right. Video Driving right Mid-range shooting (converting 45%) Struggles driving left #24 Bronson Koenig (FR) — 3.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.1 APG 45% FG What He Brings: — 21 of 47 made field goals this season are 3-pointers. Video 3-Point Shooting Mid-Range Makes Around the Basket Misses (only 8 attempts this season)
THE OPPONENT Wisconsin enters this game coming off a 64-63 win vs. Arizona, and winning 13 of its past 15 games. Offensively, the Badgers run a “swing offense.” They “swing” the ball with constant movement and cutting. All five players are interchangeable in their positions on the floor, in an attempt to create mismatches and lapses in the defense. The idea is that, with patience and continuous movement of the ball, eventually Wisconsin will catch the defense off-guard. If the defense lapses, or doesn’t defend a cutter hard enough, or helps too much on a ball screen, Wisconsin will immediately take advantage with a skip pass and a shot attempt. If the defense is focused, disciplined and patient for 35 seconds every possession, it should be OK. But defending every possession all the way through is not easy. Again, Wisconsin will strike if the defense slips. It’s a “workman’s” offense, where the offense grinds out every possession, but the defense must keep up as well. Wisconsin is an excellent passing team, and they have several shooters. They are patient and they take care of the ball (12.2% turnover percentage is 2nd best in the country). All five Wisconsin starters can shoot the 3. Four players average double-figures, and four players average at least four rebounds. This is a team effort. Point guard Traevon Jackson is vital to Wisconsin’s attack. A 6-2, 210-pound lefty, Jackson is the biggest threat to penetrate and create. Jackson plays “downhill,” looking to use his strength to get to the rim. However, he strongly favors his left hand, going to his strong side on 70% of his drives. 23% of Jackson’s offense is in the pick-and-roll, where he takes a dribble jumper 50% of the time, and finishes at the basket 30% of the time. Wisconsin is a patient team steadfast in its crisp ball movement, but Jackson is the “head of the snake.” He is their only penetrator, and thus makes the defense move from side to side. If you can apply early pressure and get under him, you can keep Jackson out of the lane and stagnate Wisconsin’s offense. Alongside Jackson on the perimeter are Ben Brust and Josh Gasser. Both are 6-3, and both are good shooters, particularly on the catch. Brust is more proven (he attempts six 3′s per game), while Gasser is more prudent in his shot selection, but they can both shoot. They’ll release from deep, so you must be ready on the catch. Wisconsin plays a relatively small backcourt—all three guards are 6-3—but if left open, everyone will seize the opportunity to shoot. As mentioned, though, only Jackson is a proven ball handler. If you can make Brust and Gasser put the ball on the floor, you will make them uncomfortable. Sam Dekker, a top-20 recruit out of high school, is a 6-7 hybrid forward for the Badgers. Dekker excels in their swing offense because he can score from anywhere on the floor. Dekker can get to the rim off one bounce, but he’s also an excellent shooter with deep range. He can catch on the perimeter to shoot or shot-fake, and can get to the rim with ease. He’s a versatile swingman who scores from anywhere on the floor, and does a good job of filling cutting. Be aware of Dekker cutting off the ball, or running in transition. Dekker struggles to handle the ball under pressure, so you should apply pressure early on, and then shadow him for the rest of the possession. On the “interior” is 7-footer Frank Kaminsky, who is Wisconsin’s leading scorer and rebounder. Kaminsky plays the center position, but he can rotate anywhere on the floor and make an impact. He’s a deadeye catch-and-shoot player, with range to the 3-point line. His jump shot, coupled with good footwork and quickness for his size, make him a dangerous screener; he can quickly roll to the hoop, or pop out for a jump shot. Kaminsky has proven to be one of the toughest matchups in college basketball. He can step out and shoot the 3 (space the defense), but he also has the size and footwork to score over his left shoulder in the post. Kaminsky is converting 62% of his 2-pointers during the NCAA Tournament. He also recorded seven offensive rebounds vs. Arizona. Simply put, he’s recently been a force inside the arc. To stop Kaminsky, you must limit his touches. Amida Brimah’s length could bother Kaminsky, but it will be a group effort defensively because Kaminsky is constantly on the move and can set up from anywhere. Coming off the bench for Wisconsin are freshmen Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig. Hayes is a 6-7 power forward, with a reliable mid-range jumper, and the ability to drive the ball going right when defenders close out. Hayes has given Wisconsin a solid burst off the bench. He will knock down the 15-footer when given space. Koenig is a catch shoot threat from 3. He’s also the team’s second-best penetrator, behind Jackson. He’s not the most flashy player, but Koenig takes care of the basketball, facilitates smoothly, and can make you pay if you allow him to shoot. Overall, Wisconsin uses constant ball movement and cutting to find open looks or create favorable matchups. They’ll “swing the ball and cut” for 20 seconds in a possession, and then try to make something happen. Jackson can penetrate, particularly going left; Brust and Gasser are good shooters; Dekker is an x-factor swingman who can score from anywhere on the floor and has athleticism to finish in transition; and Kaminsky is supremely gifted offensively, though limiting his offensive rebounds will minimize his touches and overall impact. Hayes and Koenig provide an offensive punch in the second unit. An extremely poised, well-coached and well-executing team. Wisconsin won’t beat itself. Defensive ball pressure and defending for 35 seconds will be essential in this game. – KEYS TO WIN — Wisconsin’s guards are slow defensively. They are a porous defense (allowing 1.0 PPP), and the dribble-drive game of Napier/Boatright should be effective — Box out Frank Kaminsky; limit him to one shot per possession – STARTERS RESERVES PF — Nigel Hayes (6-7) – #12 Traevon Jackson (JR) — 10.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4 APG 41% FG What He Brings: — Primary ball handler and penetrator. Lefty. Video Pick and Roll Scoring Dribble-jumper makes (capable but not great) Driving to the basket (he prefers this) Pick and Roll Passing Transition misses (unathletic, forces going left) Assists / court vision Isolation points Spot up misses (forces it) Driving right (weak) – #1 Ben Brust (SR) — 12.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 APG 42% FG What He Brings: — 75% of attempts are jump shots. Converting 38%. Video 3-Point shooting Catch and Shoot Off the Dribble Shooting “Short jumpers” Around the Basket finishes Dribble jumper on pick-and-roll – #21 Josh Gasser (JR) — 9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG 44% FG What He Brings: — 47 of 83 made field goals are 3′s Video Off the Dribble Misses (2-10 this season) 3-Point Shooting (almost all are catch and shoot) – #15 Sam Dekker (SO) — 12.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.5 APG 47% FG What He Brings: — “X-factor.” Constant activity and cutting, can score from anywhere Video Recent scoring 3-Point shooting Off the Dribble misses (struggles handling the ball under pressure) Cutting (very active and athletic; converting 75% of cuts) – #44 Frank Kaminsky (JR) — 14 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 BPG 53% FG What He Brings: — Well-rounded scorer who can rotate anywhere and make an impact. — Averaging 6.3 rebounds per game. Limit Kaminsky to one touch per possession. Video Jump Shots (virtually all are catch-and-shoot) Put-backs (touches) Pick and Pop Pick and Roll Post Move (takes one dribble, then shoots over left shoulder) Cutting Isolation Points – RESERVES #10 Nigel Hayes (FR) — 7.8 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 SPG 51% FG What He Brings: — Active and intense stretch-4. Can shoot the mid-range jumper, or drive going right. Video Driving right Mid-range shooting (converting 45%) Struggles driving left – #24 Bronson Koenig (FR) — 3.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.1 APG 45% FG What He Brings: — 21 of 47 made field goals this season are 3-pointers. Video 3-Point Shooting Mid-Range Makes Around the Basket Misses (only 8 attempts this season)UConn - Wisconsin, Stats
Avg. Poss Length 18.2 seconds 20.5 seconds
Points Per Possession 1.09 1.16 (12th)
Points Allowed Per Possession .96 1.0
Scoring 72.4 PPG 73.5 PPG
Scoring Allowed 63.7 PPG 63.7 PPG
Rebounding 35.4 RPG 33.5 RPG
Assists 12.6 APG 12.4 APG
FG% 45% 46%
Opponent FG% 39% 43%
Effective FG% 52% 53.3%
Opponent Effective FG% 45% 47%
3P% 48%
(18.7 attempts)38%
(20.9 attempts)
FT% 77%
(21.2 attempts)74%
(22.7 attempts)
Point Distribution 47% 2-Pointers
30% 3-Pointers
23% Free Throws45% 2-Pointers
32% 3-Pointers
23% Free Throws
Shot Attempt Distribution 55.5% Jump Shots
32.5% Around Basket
6.5% Post-Ups
6.5% Runner54% Jump Shots
29% Around Basket
12% Post-Ups
5% Runner
Offense 84% Half Court
16% Transition92% Half-Court
8% Transition
Defense 97% Man
3% Zone99.8% Man
0.2% Zone
— Wisconsin posts a 15.3% turnover percentage on defense; they don’t apply pressure. UConn can control the tempo of this game
— Watch Kaminsky “pop out” for a jump shot after setting a back-screen
— Force Traevon Jackson right; he favors his left hand
— Be ready on the catch, and make their shooters beat you off the dribble
PG — Traevon Jackson (6-2)
G — Ben Brust (6-1)
G — Josh Gasser (6-3)
SF — Sam Dekker (6-8)
SF/PF — Frank Kaminsky (7-0)
G — Bronson Koenig (6-3)
PG, 6-2, 210
38% three-point (2.3 attempts)
— 66% of attempts are jump shots, but 30% of those jump shots are from 17-feet and in. He wants to get to the basket.
— Operates from the pick-and-roll. Again, he wants to get into the lane and create. I would go under screens and dare him to shoot.
— Drives left 70% of the time.
— He’s trying to “bully” his way to the basket. Apply early ball pressure, and prevent him from getting into the paint. If you can take out Jackson’s penetration, you essentially take out Wisconsin’s offense.
G, 6-1, 200
39% three-point (6.4 attempts)
— Be ready on the catch. He can shoot either on the catch or off the dribble, but Brust will always shoot within two dribbles. He’s looking to shoot, not drive.
— He either catches-and-shoots, or pulls-up within two dribbles.
— Never more than two dribbles
— Crafty pull-ups
— Active cutter, be aware of back-screens and back-cuts for Brust
— He doesn’t run the pick-and-roll often (only 30 attempts this season), but he takes a jump shot on 75% of those attempts.
G, 6-3, 190
43% three-point (3 attempts)
— Nearly all jump shots are catch-and-shoot. Be there on the catch.
— Not the most skilled, but he can outwork you. Scrappy, rebounds, moves the ball.
— Not a great driver, but he can shoot.
PF, 6-9, 220
32% three-point (3.5 attempts)
— Can shoot or drive it. Gets to the basket in one dribble.
— 33% three-point shooter. Capable.
— Unproven handling the ball under pressure. Apply pressure early, and disrupt his flow. Also, shadow him on every cut.
— Quick first step attacking off the dribble
SF/PF, 7-0, 235
38% three-point (2.6 attempts)
— Can shoot from mid-range or 3-point. But nearly all of his jump shots are catch-and-shoot. Force him to beat you off the dribble.
— Likes to “pick and pop,” via traditional P-n-P, or via back-screens to then pop out
— In the post, he likes to take one dribble, then shoot over his left shoulder (using right hand)
— Dangerous screener. Can score from all over the court, and looks for the defense to switch.
— 70% of shot attempts as a screener.
— 30% of attempts
PF, 6-7, 250
59% FT (4.5 attempts)
— Can finish with either hand, but he struggles driving the ball left.
— Puts his head down, and attacks. Favorite move in isolation
G, 6-3, 190
33% three-point (1.8 attempts)
— 85% of shot attempts are jump shots. Doesn’t want to drive.
— Play Koenig tight, and make him beat you off the dribble. Apply pressure early and often – not a great ball-handler.UConn - Wisconsin, Stats
Avg. Poss Length 18.2 seconds 20.5 seconds
Points Per Possession 1.09 1.16 (12th)
Points Allowed Per Possession .96 1.0
Scoring 72.4 PPG 73.5 PPG
Scoring Allowed 63.7 PPG 63.7 PPG
Rebounding 35.4 RPG 33.5 RPG
Assists 12.6 APG 12.4 APG
FG% 45% 46%
Opponent FG% 39% 43%
Effective FG% 52% 53.3%
Opponent Effective FG% 45% 47%
3P% 48%
(18.7 attempts)38%
(20.9 attempts)
FT% 77%
(21.2 attempts)74%
(22.7 attempts)
Point Distribution 47% 2-Pointers
30% 3-Pointers
23% Free Throws45% 2-Pointers
32% 3-Pointers
23% Free Throws
Shot Attempt Distribution 55.5% Jump Shots
32.5% Around Basket
6.5% Post-Ups
6.5% Runner54% Jump Shots
29% Around Basket
12% Post-Ups
5% Runner
Offense 84% Half Court
16% Transition92% Half-Court
8% Transition
Defense 97% Man
3% Zone99.8% Man
0.2% Zone
— Wisconsin posts a 15.3% turnover percentage on defense; they don’t apply pressure. UConn can control the tempo of this game
— Watch Kaminsky “pop out” for a jump shot after setting a back-screen
— Force Traevon Jackson right; he favors his left hand
— Be ready on the catch, and make their shooters beat you off the dribble
PG — Traevon Jackson (6-2)
G — Ben Brust (6-1)
G — Josh Gasser (6-3)
SF — Sam Dekker (6-8)
SF/PF — Frank Kaminsky (7-0)
G — Bronson Koenig (6-3)
PG, 6-2, 210
38% three-point (2.3 attempts)
— 66% of attempts are jump shots, but 30% of those jump shots are from 17-feet and in. He wants to get to the basket.
— Operates from the pick-and-roll. Again, he wants to get into the lane and create. I would go under screens and dare him to shoot.
— Drives left 70% of the time.
— He’s trying to “bully” his way to the basket. Apply early ball pressure, and prevent him from getting into the paint. If you can take out Jackson’s penetration, you essentially take out Wisconsin’s offense.
G, 6-1, 200
39% three-point (6.4 attempts)
— Be ready on the catch. He can shoot either on the catch or off the dribble, but Brust will always shoot within two dribbles. He’s looking to shoot, not drive.
— He either catches-and-shoots, or pulls-up within two dribbles.
— Never more than two dribbles
— Crafty pull-ups
— Active cutter, be aware of back-screens and back-cuts for Brust
— He doesn’t run the pick-and-roll often (only 30 attempts this season), but he takes a jump shot on 75% of those attempts.
G, 6-3, 190
43% three-point (3 attempts)
— Nearly all jump shots are catch-and-shoot. Be there on the catch.
— Not the most skilled, but he can outwork you. Scrappy, rebounds, moves the ball.
— Not a great driver, but he can shoot.
PF, 6-9, 220
32% three-point (3.5 attempts)
— Can shoot or drive it. Gets to the basket in one dribble.
— 33% three-point shooter. Capable.
— Unproven handling the ball under pressure. Apply pressure early, and disrupt his flow. Also, shadow him on every cut.
— Quick first step attacking off the dribble
SF/PF, 7-0, 235
38% three-point (2.6 attempts)
— Can shoot from mid-range or 3-point. But nearly all of his jump shots are catch-and-shoot. Force him to beat you off the dribble.
— Likes to “pick and pop,” via traditional P-n-P, or via back-screens to then pop out
— In the post, he likes to take one dribble, then shoot over his left shoulder (using right hand)
— Dangerous screener. Can score from all over the court, and looks for the defense to switch.
— 70% of shot attempts as a screener.
— 30% of attempts
PF, 6-7, 250
59% FT (4.5 attempts)
— Can finish with either hand, but he struggles driving the ball left.
— Puts his head down, and attacks. Favorite move in isolation
G, 6-3, 190
33% three-point (1.8 attempts)
— 85% of shot attempts are jump shots. Doesn’t want to drive.
— Play Koenig tight, and make him beat you off the dribble. Apply pressure early and often – not a great ball-handler.