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Badgers' Bigs Injured: Bench Shines in Offseason
8 Oct
Summary
- Key forwards Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp missed offseason practices due to injury.
- Sophomore Will Garlock and transfer Victory Onuetu gained valuable experience in their absence.
- The team focused on size and defense to improve after last season's defensive struggles.
Wisconsin's frontcourt stars, Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp, faced an injury-plagued offseason, limiting their practice time ahead of the new season. Winter battled an ankle issue while Rapp dealt with a hand injury, both requiring surgeries.
This situation created extended opportunities for sophomore Will Garlock and Hofstra transfer Victory Onuetu. Head coach Greg Gard noted their increased court time and competitive development throughout the summer.
Garlock and Onuetu are slated to be vital reserves, bolstering the team's emphasis on size and defense. Their growth is seen as crucial, especially after the team's defensive lapses in the previous NCAA Tournament.
Winter, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds last season. Rapp provided crucial offensive support, particularly in the latter months, with strong shooting splits. Their health remains a question mark for the upcoming exhibition game.
