Wisconsin men’s basketball evaluating 2026 DePaul Prep forward Rashaun Porter
Wisconsin men’s basketball is ramping up its evaluation of 2026 recruiting target Rashaun Porter, a versatile forward from Chicago whose stock is on the rise.
The University of Wisconsin men's basketball staff has its eyes on an intriguing under-the-radar prospect during the July evaluation period.
Chicago (Ill.) DePaul Prep forward Rashaun Porter has started to gain real traction with the Badgers staff this summer. Though Porter isn’t yet a nationally known name, Wisconsin has been ramping up its interest, with conversations picking up speed and a potential campus visit in the works.
Porter is currently ranked as the No. 270 player nationally, coming in as the No. 43 power forward in the 2026 class and the No. 5 player in Illinois, per the 247Sports Composite. He holds a 0.82 rating from scouts.
What makes Porter stand out to Greg Gard’s staff? Versatility.
The Badgers see a player whose skill set mirrors some of the same principles they emphasize: positional flexibility, high-IQ basketball, and the ability to operate within a structured system. In fact, Porter plays for both DePaul Prep and the Illinois Wolves AAU program, two systems that closely resemble the style Wisconsin wants to play systematically.
When asked what aspects of Wisconsin’s system appeal to him, Porter mentioned the Badgers’ emphasis on both ends of the floor and how it mirrors the structure he’s used to executing in his own programs.
“They value defense and use defensive techniques that allow them to compete and be as good as other teams,” Porter told Badgernotes. “And the structure of their offense — it’s clean and fluid, helping guys get wide-open shots and great looks.”
Porter’s a really interesting eval for me. The lefty forward might be a little undersized, but he does a great job establishing position on the block, and his length helps him play a bit bigger than his listed size. He can be dynamic out of the pick-and-roll, attacking the rim with a mix of strength and touch, and moves well enough to clean things up around the basket.
This isn’t someone you’re going to plug in at center or steal minutes from at the wing, that’s just not his game — but he’s not really like any Badgers player I can think of off the top of my head. In today’s positionless style, his ability to put the ball on the deck, bring the ball up the floor, and pull his defender out of a comfortable position gives him a really unique edge.
That versatility is something Porter is eager to show more of this summer as he continues to develop his game.
“That I am a point forward that can do everything on the court and know how to play the game the right way,” Porter said when asked what he hopes to show coaches this July. “I have a high motor, love to win, and try to do my best to help find ways to help a team win.”
And look, I’m not making a direct comparison here, but there’s maybe a little bit of an undersized Zach Randolph vibe in how he gets to his spots. I’m not saying Porter has that kind of power, but the footwork, the patience, and the ability to finish through contact definitely stand out.
The Wisconsin staff has been hands-on here, with coach Gard getting involved in the recruiting conversations and assistant coach Lance Randall making multiple trips to Illinois to watch Porter play in person, a level of investment that signals just how seriously they’re evaluating him.
“I would say the lead recruiter from the Badgers at this point is assistant coach Randall and head coach Greg Gard,” Porter shared. “They’ve really been reaching out and recruiting me, and we’ve talked about scheduling me a day to come visit, but we haven’t finalized it yet.”
As I mentioned on Bucky’s Burrow back in mid-June, Porter was a name to keep an eye on, and sure enough, Wisconsin’s interest has only grown since. While no offer has been extended yet, it’s clear the Badgers staff is doing its homework and could move in that direction soon.
Porter, for his part, is leaving the door open. He’s picked up mid-major offers from schools like Valparaiso, Central Michigan, Murray State, Toledo, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, Western Michigan, Illinois-Chicago, and Incarnate Word. Still, Big Ten programs, including Wisconsin, have begun to circle after seeing how much he's improved on the AAU circuit.
As things stand, Porter doesn’t have a visit to Madison lined up just yet, although it's been discussed. Ideally, the 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward is aiming to make his college decision sometime in the fall, though he’s also open to pushing things back toward the winter if more time is needed.
It's also worth noting that NIL isn’t a driving factor for Porter.
“For me, NIL is not one of the top considerations,” Porter explained. “I want an environment that makes me feel at home, a society with great people in it, but most importantly, I want a school that can also support me academically.”
When evaluating his next step, Porter is focused on more than just basketball fit. He’s looking for a program built on values, one with a brotherhood-type culture where he can grow both as a player and as a person. He knows the environment and the people around him will be key in determining where he feels most at home.
That brotherhood culture, both on and off the court, will be key.
“A team that doesn’t point fingers when things are bad and chooses we over me,” Porter said. “A team where guys like being around each other, even after a bad practice or game, they still stick together, hang out, and have a great time building that chemistry without coaches having to push it, just because they like being around their teammates.”
For Wisconsin, this is a name to keep an eye on — especially as the staff continues to balance its recruiting board between higher-profile national targets and emerging regional prospects who fit the mold of what the Badgers want in their locker room. With 2026 commits like in-state wing LaTrevion Fenderson and New Zealand guard Jackson Ball already in the fold, the Badgers are actively scouting big men on the AAU circuit and carefully building out a class that blends local and international talent.
For Porter, improving as a shooter and building his body for the next level are top priorities as he continues to go through this process.
“I would say it would be improving my shooting, being able to shoot beyond the arc to help myself become a three-level threat,” he said. “And transforming my body into a college body by building more muscle and physique.”
It’s exactly the kind of mindset Wisconsin’s staff is looking for as they weigh whether to pursue adding Porter for their 2026 class — a player eager to bet on his development, fit into a team-first culture, and bring something unique to the locker room. For now, all eyes are on July as both sides continue to learn more and figure out if this is the right match.
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