Wisconsin's basketball team is facing a significant challenge as they move forward without one of their key defensive players, Jack Janicki. The redshirt sophomore guard is sidelined for the "foreseeable future" following wrist surgery. Head coach Greg Gard shared the update on Feb. 20, noting that while the surgery went well, Janicki's return this season is uncertain.
Janicki has been a crucial part of the Badgers' lineup, appearing in all 26 games and averaging 16.5 minutes. His defensive prowess has been vital for Wisconsin, which has struggled defensively, ranking 56th nationally in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency. Janicki often took on larger opponents, providing a defensive boost when the team opted for smaller lineups.
Gard praised Janicki's ability to adapt and cover for teammates' mistakes, highlighting his importance on the court. Unfortunately, Janicki's injury occurred during Wisconsin’s 86-69 loss to Ohio State on Feb.
- He exited in the first half, paving the way for freshman guard Hayden Jones to step up.
Jones, a 6-foot-6 guard from New Zealand, seized the opportunity, logging six points, four rebounds, and an assist in 16 minutes against Ohio State. This performance was notable as Jones had limited playing time in previous games. Gard expressed confidence in Jones, citing his strong practice performances and readiness to contribute more significantly.
In brighter news, sophomore forward Austin Rapp is recovering well from a flu that sidelined him earlier this month. Gard mentioned that Rapp is improving daily, having undergone extensive testing to rule out more serious issues.
Looking ahead, the Badgers are gearing up to face Iowa on Feb. 22, followed by games against Oregon and Washington. As the season progresses, Gard acknowledged the physical toll on players, emphasizing that no one is at full strength at this point in the year.
The team will need to rely on its depth and resilience as they navigate the remainder of the season without Janicki, while hoping for continued contributions from players like Jones and a healthy return for Rapp.