Greg Gard has Wisconsin trending toward a more balanced offensive attack
Last season signaled a slight shift in offensive philosophy, a trend Wisconsin isn't likely to buck moving forward:
Madison, Wis. — Throughout the years, Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard has mentioned that he welcomed the thought of playing at a faster pace - so long as his team continued to play smart and take care of the basketball, the staples of the program.
This past season, coach Gard has proved to be a man of his word, allowing the 2021-22 team to dictate the pace of play by feeling out their opponent.
According to KenPom, the Badgers finished at No. 215 in adjusted tempo this past season, which is hardly the mark of a run-and-gun team. But it’s also a stark contrast to the disciplined and methodical approach UW has taken offensively for the better part of the last two decades.
For reference, before last season, UW had never finished higher than 320th in adjusted tempo since the metric started being recorded by KenPom - signaling a message to recruits - that changes can and will be made when the roster dictates playing at a faster pace.
Wisconsin’s pace of play under Greg Gard:
2021-22: 215th
2020-21: 328th
2019-20: 342nd
2018-19: 331st
2017-18: 347th
2016-17: 334th
2015-16: 344th
Coach Gard was willing to adjust his systematic approach to accentuate his personnel's strengths better - while giving his young team a sense of freedom on the court.
This change is, in large part, because the roster warranted it.
UW had players like Chucky Hepburn and Johnny Davis capable of pushing the pace, mobile big men, and a spot-up shooter like Brad they could utilize in transition.
In short, the pieces were in place if they saw the chance to strike off a missed basket.
Coach Gard's sole focus on offense is really quite simple, get the best shot possible. Whether that comes early in the shot clock or at the final second is unimportant, it's about getting a high percentage look.
Wisconsin finished the 2021-22 season ranked No. 2 in the nation in turnover% and No. 1 in turnovers per game (8.7). So, it's important to note that UW was no less efficient with the ball while playing at a faster tempo.
The players, who were given a chance, rewarded coach Gards' loosening of the reigns by showing a great sense of when to push the pace or slow it down and run their half-court sets.
His young, relatively inexperienced Wisconsin basketball team played with the cohesion and chemistry of a group that had been together for years - even though it couldn't have been further from the case.