Stock up, stock down for Wisconsin men's basketball after win over Ball State
Wisconsin men’s basketball moved to 3–0 with a convincing win over Ball State. Here’s the full stock report on who’s trending up, who’s falling, and what it all means.
The No. 24 Wisconsin men’s basketball team didn’t waste much time showing where it planned to win this one — right at the rim. Armed with a clear size advantage over Michael Lewis and the visiting Ball State Cardinals, the Badgers leaned on their frontcourt to control the paint, the glass, and eventually the scoreboard in an 86–55 rout at the Kohl Center.
It was an inside-out performance in line with their identity that propelled Wisconsin to a 3–0 start on the season, marking the first time in 50 years the program has scored 86 or more points in each of its first three games.
The Badgers’ offense was surgical early, scoring on 12 of their first 15 possessions to build a 30–6 lead before the game even really started. The rhythm faded for stretches after that, and unforced turnovers stalled the offense late in the first half, but Greg Gard’s team regrouped coming out of the break. Wisconsin hit nine of its first 11 field goals in the second half, reestablishing control and never letting the Cardinals hang around.
Defensively, this was as sound as the Badgers have looked all year. They held Ball State to 34.0% shooting from the field, forced 14 turnovers, and limited the Cardinals to just 0.809 points per possession. Wisconsin’s rebounding edge, a dominant 45–25 advantage, drove the point home.
The offense, meanwhile, continued to hum despite the blemishes. Wisconsin finished with 1.284 points per possession, shooting 50% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range (14-of-38). The 22.4% turnover rate and the 21–8 free-throw disparity are both areas that need to be cleaned up, and they’re things the staff will no doubt emphasize moving forward, but those are minor blemishes in an otherwise convincing win.
The frontcourt led the way again. Nolan Winter poured in 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked three shots, while Austin Rapp added 11 points, three assists, and three blocks of his own. Nick Boyd and Braeden Carrington each chipped in 12 in what was a balanced attack.
“We’ve been becoming more consistent on both ends of the floor,” Gard said. “I thought Ball State, on tape, was a really scrappy team that was going to give us some issues with driving lanes and digging basketballs loose off the dribble if we weren’t careful. I think they exposed some of that — I’ll pick that apart on film. But I thought our start was really good.
“We had a segment of bad basketball in the first half. The second half, I thought, for the most part, we were in control and did some good things. Obviously, it helps when shots go in. It makes everything else look good.”
For a team that’s still sorting out its chemistry and rotations, this was another sign of how good Wisconsin can be once it all comes together. There’s plenty that still needs cleaning up, especially after facing an opponent that challenged them in new ways and exposed areas for growth when it comes to attacking off the dribble and getting to the rim.
With that in mind, here’s whose stock is rising and falling after Wisconsin’s win over Ball State.
📈 Stock up: Nolan Winter
Through three games, Nolan Winter is starting to look like one of Wisconsin’s most important players, maybe the most important.
Against Ball State, the 7-foot junior turned in his best performance yet, posting 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-3 from deep, while adding 10 rebounds (three offensive), two assists, and a career high three blocks in just 20 minutes of action.
“I’m trying to get as many rebounds as I can for this team,” Winter said postgame. “As a 7-footer, it’s my job. Having that mentality that every ball is mine when it’s shot is my thing this year. That’s what I am going to carry on for the whole season.”
Yes, the matchup favored Winter. Ball State simply didn’t have the size to handle his length and touch, but the way Winter capitalized on that advantage spoke volumes about his confidence and assertiveness. Coach Gard has spoken repeatedly about wanting the Lakeville North (MN.) product to play with more aggression and confidence because he knows there’s another level in there, and this was a step toward unlocking it.
“There are still some plays where he can be more emphatic with and more aggressive,” Gard said. “I’m complaining about a double-double, but I think he’s got more in him. He’s not anywhere near where he can be. That’s the exciting part. You’re getting great production, but the head coach wants more, and I know he wants more. He knows there’s more in there to be even better.”
Winter is averaging 16.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists through three games, already logging two double-doubles. His blend of size, skill, and floor spacing makes him virtually irreplaceable on this roster. If he keeps trending upward, his growth could be one of the biggest factors in determining just how high Wisconsin’s ceiling climbs this season.
📉 Stock down: John Blackwell
Let’s be clear, this isn’t cause for concern. John Blackwell is very likely going to be Wisconsin’s most consistent scorer this season and will continue to be one of the engines that drive this team. But in the 86–55 win over Ball State, the junior guard took a quieter approach than usual.
Blackwell finished with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes, shooting 2-of-6 from the field, all from beyond the arc, while adding a steal and committing three turnovers. He also knocked down both of his free throw attempts. Statistically fine, although nothing to write home about, but it was the lack of assertiveness that stood out.
This is very clearly a team built to win in multiple ways, and it says a lot about Wisconsin’s depth that it can cruise to a blowout victory without its best player being heavily involved as a scorer. Still, you’d like to see your go-to guy hunt his shot a little more — attacking downhill, getting to the rim, and setting the tone rather than waiting for the game to come to him.
Blackwell is still averaging 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists through three games, so the overall body of work speaks for itself. He’s fine, the team is fine. This game was just a reminder that Wisconsin’s offense reaches a different level when he’s in full attack mode.
Blackwell has the potential to be one of the best guards in the Big Ten and maybe even earn some national recognition if his breakout happens the way many are expecting. That’s why he’s held to a different standard. On a night like this, it just never felt like the game flowed naturally for him, and he seemed content to let it come rather than take it.
📈 Stock up: Wisconsin’s bench
If Wisconsin’s frontcourt dictated the flow, the bench ensured the Badgers never lost it. This was the most complete showing from the reserves so far this season, and it came in a game where their energy and efficiency helped sustain control from start to finish.
Braeden Carrington led the charge, putting together his best performance in a Wisconsin uniform. The veteran wing from Minnesota finished with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep, while adding four rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 17 minutes. He played with confidence and hunted his shot within the flow of the offense, giving the Badgers’ second unit a steadying presence. His energy and hustle were infectious, and that activity directly led to a few momentum-swinging plays.
Behind him, Aleksas Bieliauskas built on his performance against Northern Illinois, contributing six points on 3-of-4 shooting, along with eight rebounds, an assist, and two blocks in 17 minutes. His ability to rebound, defend the pick and roll, and finish efficiently inside has given the Badgers frontcourt rotation someone they can trust, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most dependable depth pieces on the roster.
Will Garlock provided a contrasting look off the bench, going scoreless but registering three assists, two rebounds (one offensive), and making several solid defensive plays in 12 minutes. His length and timing around the rim remain valuable assets as he continues to grow in his role.
Freshman guard Hayden Jones also logged 15 minutes and looked comfortable facilitating the offense. Though he didn’t score or attempt a field goal, he finished with two assists and two rebounds, showing poise in ball-screen action despite a pair of turnovers. His ability to manage tempo and make the right reads is something worth watching closely.
Jack Janicki rounded out the bench contributions with five points on 2-of-5 shooting (1-of-4 on 3-point attempts), four rebounds (three offensive), and two assists in 21 minutes. He continues to impact the game with hustle plays and defense, even when the shot isn’t falling consistently.
“Good contributions off the bench,” Gard said. “I thought Braeden Carrington played really well. I’m getting more comfortable with who he is as a player and in-game situations. I thought Bieliauskas and Garlock in that first half, when they first came in, really helped us extend the lead. When we can put our backup front-line guys in and grow our lead, that’s a good sign.”
All told, Wisconsin’s bench combined for 26 points and delivered one of its most balanced efforts yet. This group did more than hold the line against Ball State; it actively helped the Badgers build and maintain momentum. For a team still sorting through lineup combinations and its rotation at large, this kind of depth performance is a promising sign moving forward.
📈 Stock up: Andrew Rohde
Andrew Rohde is quietly becoming one of Wisconsin’s most valuable pieces. He’s the kind of veteran presence that makes everything around him function more smoothly.
Against Ball State, the Virginia transfer turned in his most productive night as a Badger, scoring 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding an assist and a steal in 20 minutes.
What stood out wasn’t just the stat line, but the way Rohde played. He’s the player this team looks most comfortable with handing the ball in pick-and-roll situations. He’s calm, deliberate, and decisive. There’s a composure to his game that comes only with experience. He rarely forces shots, consistently finds the right angles, and when he looks to score, it’s never rushed. That kind of poise gives the staff another playmaker who can dictate tempo and control possessions late in the shot clock.
Rohde might be Wisconsin’s best passer, but his impact goes far beyond what shows up in a box score. His defensive instincts and understanding of the system allow him to anticipate plays, rotate properly, and provide reliable help when his teammates make a mistake or get beaten. He’s constantly in the right spots and is someone I view as a communicator and connector who raises the defensive floor every time he’s on it.
“Andrew’s obviously very instinctive — rarely in the wrong spot, and he covers up for others,” Gard explained. “He just knows how to guard. He understands the team concept. He’s got surprisingly quick hands — he can poke and knock balls loose. His mind for the game, his positioning, and his ability to quarterback a defense when something goes wrong really stand out. I can hear him out there correcting what should be better, what was good, and what’s not good enough.”
This was a terrific pickup for Wisconsin out of the portal. Rohde is the definition of a selfless player. He doesn’t need high usage to make a significant impact. Offensively, his decision-making and lack of ego keep the ball moving. Defensively, his experience and awareness help hold the entire unit together. He’s already proving to be one of Wisconsin’s most valuable players, even if he doesn’t always get the recognition that comes with it.
What’s next
Wisconsin men’s basketball (3-0) returns to the court on Monday, November 17, for a matchup against SIU Edwardsville at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT, with coverage on the Big Ten Network.
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