CONTENTS MARCH 23, 2016 ■ VOLUME 6, ISSUE 32

FEATURE STORY MAX SIKER

LITTLE THINGS, BIG RESULTS Buzzer-beating shots are hard to miss, but it’s easy to look past the myriad “minor” moments that have made the difference in the Badgers’ return to the Sweet 16 for the third-straight year.

FEATURES NCAA TOURNAMENT IN [FOCUS] FAMILIAR FEELING The week's best photos

What’s it like to hit a buzzer-beater in THE VOICE the NCAA tournament? Ask Freddie March memories don’t fade Owens, who knows very well how is feeling. BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW

WHAT TO WATCH LUCAS AT LARGE Where to catch the Badgers

IN THIS TOGETHER ASK THE BADGERS Reactions to ‘’ The way the Badgers have rallied

around assistant coach Lamont Paris DAVID STLUKA BADGERING in a difficult time is the latest exam­ Sam Ginouves (Men’s Rowing) ple of the team’s tight-knit nature. INSIDE -SCROLLMEN’S FOR MORE­ Keep growing, keep going Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

VIEW ALL ISSUES

Brian Lucas Director of Athletic Communications

Julia Hujet Editor/Designer

Brian Mason Managing Editor

Mike Lucas Senior Writer

Andy Baggot Writer

Matt Lepay Columnist

Chris Hall, Jerry Mao Video Production

Amy Eager Advertising

Drew Pittner-Smith Distribution

Contributors Paul Capobianco, Tam Flarup, Kelli Grashel, A.J. Harrison, Brandon Harrison, Patrick Herb, Diane Nordstrom

Photography David Stluka, Neil Ament, Greg Anderson, Bob Campbell, Max Siker, Cal Sport Media, Icon Sportswire

Cover Photo: Max Siker

Problems or Accessibility Issues? [email protected]

© 2016 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

speaks to how resilient they are. kind of lose myself. That has in Madison around 1:30 a.m. “Xavier is a physically-superior been helpful to me.” Monday. That same morning, team to a lot of people. They’re Paris spent a couple of days Paris boarded a flight for Findlay. well-coached and tough. To with his mom before rejoining the He was back at practice Tuesday match their physicality, mano team Thursday in St. Louis. afternoon armed with the scout­ a mano, was a challenge and “When we’re not actually play­ ing report on Friday’s opponent, I thought our guys did a great ing in a game, my thoughts are Notre Dame. He had more posi­ job. I thought there were a lot of with my mom and family that is tive news, too. He talked with his toughness plays that we made. back there spending time with mom. “That included sticking your her,” he said. “It’s really chal­ Again, he was cautious about face in there and taking a charge lenging because I don’t process her condition. But the commu­ (Zak Showalter). That’s tough­ information as efficiently right nication, however limited, was ness. I’m not talking about now as I do normally. It takes a breakthrough. Last week, bench-pressing or throwing a guy longer to do things, but that’s OK. she wasn’t capable of respond­ down to the ground. To step in ing to his voice or touch. That front of a guy right there, to put made it all the more difficult to “I CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE it on the line and risk everything, leave Findlay ― not knowing if that’s real toughness.” PEOPLE HERE AND THE PLAYERS he would get another chance to Lately, Paris has exhibited his ― THEY’RE REALLY AN EXTENSION communicate with her. own personal toughness in the OF MY FAMILY. THAT’S HOW I’VE “It was a tough decision as to face of adversity, real life adver­ ALWAYS VIEWED THEM.” whether to come back or not (to sity. It had nothing to do with a St. Louis),” said Paris, who lost poor shooting percentage, sloppy “You have distractions, so you his dad to a heart attack in 1996. ball-handling, fouls or uneven just have to stay on task.” Henry Paris was 46. “But with officiating. It had everything do Paris put together the scouting the relationship that I have with with the health and welfare of his report on the UW’s second-round her and how big basketball is be­ 62-year-old mother, Kathy Gutier­ opponent, Xavier. Not only did tween the two of us, I just felt like rez. the Badgers win the game on it was the right thing to do. Paris left the team last week Bronson Koenig’s clutch 3-­ “It’s funny but when she to be at her bedside in Findlay, er but they held the highest-scor­ learned that you could voice your Ohio, after she was hospitalized ing team in the Big East to just text messages, she started to text and listed in critical condition. 63 points, 18 under its season me a lot more. I’d get them af­ Initially it was feared that she average. ter games about how proud she had a stroke. But it now appears After fielding a series of was of me and the team. It was that her condition was related to game-related questions, Paris a source of pride that she would a combination of things, includ­ also updated the media corps on at least be able to look at the TV ing pneumonia, he said. his mother’s status. He said that and see me (on the sideline). “It has been extremely chal­ he had received some “positive, “In fact, one of the texts that lenging, a very emotional time encouraging” information yet she sent me in January was after obviously,” confided Paris, who’s cautioned, “It’s baby steps and we had beaten someone and she completing his sixth season at there’s still a long way to go. But offered her congratulations and Wisconsin. “This arena, basket­ there has been some progress said that I was one step closer ball in itself, has always been a made physically.” to being a head coach. I’m just place where I’ve been able to The Wisconsin charter landed so grateful that we had those

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 3 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

exchanges. It’s so poignant how ways viewed them. When I came father to cancer in late October. much it could mean to you now.” back (to St. Louis), I didn’t know “I understand completely what Paris has been overwhelmed how I would feel and respond he’s going through,” Gard said by the support that he has re­ and whether I would interact the Monday. “He was there and he ceived. same way. gave me great advice way back “I’ve been very blessed to have “And within seconds of seeing last June when the diagnosis so many good people in my life, the guys again, you’re right back with my dad came out. We kind and that started with my parents into it with them. A lot of that is of knew talking to the medical and my family,” he said. “The because of the kinds of guys they people what was going to be the people of Wisconsin and just my are. Some of them texted. Some finality of everything. friends, particularly in this circle would come up and say something. “He said, ‘My dad never got where I spent a lot of time, have I just feel blessed to have these to see me coach a single pos­ been unbelievably supportive in people around me in what is one session … your dad has just thinking about and praying for of the toughest times of my life.” watched you coach in two Final my mom. Paris made it clear to everyone, Fours.’ It’s not maybe the mes­ “And I can’t say enough about “This is not about me.” sage you want to hear because the people here and the players But everyone knew how much you still wanted to find a way to ― they’re really an extension of he was hurting. save your dad or cure the cancer. my family. That’s how I’ve al­ Especially Gard, who lost his “But it also gave me per­ spective. Hey, everybody goes through some type of adversity in their life. Appreciate the good things that have happened and try to make the most of anything negative that is going on. The main thing, I’ve tried to reach back to Lamont and help him with that. “I know that he has felt support from the players, from our staff and from the people in our pro­ gram ― just like I had felt it over the last eight months ― and that has been a big part of helping me get through this and hopeful­ ly we can continue to help Lam­ ont, too.” There are a lot of great teams, coaches and storylines in the Sweet 16. But none may be greater than the one this team DAVID STLUKA and these coaches have au­ thored together. Resilient, in­ deed. ■

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 3 OF 3 THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY ■ VOICE OF THE BADGERS Not all March memories are fleeting id the Big Ten tournament greatest last-minute comeback ― thought that would be the case, game with Nebraska really or meltdown, depending on your and the defense left Owens alone Dtake place? Anybody re­ point of view ― in NCAA history. in the left corner. Harris found member it? Still, if you have been around him, and Owens took the triple. You have to think about it, long enough, you have seen your Make it, and the Badgers win. don’t you? share of joy and despair. Miss, and the season ends in That is how it works this time of Last Sunday night in St. Louis, Spokane, Washington. year. In the moment, the confer­ Bronson Koenig hit one of the Owens made it with one sec­ ence tournament is fun, and it is biggest shots in program history. ond remaining. Grown man’s important. Then, very quickly, it Since it is fresh, I am sure many shot under pressure, and a mon­ goes away. will say it is the biggest. What­ ster from one of the pro­ Earn a trip to the Sweet 16, and ever the case, it was a magical gram’s best-ever players in Har­ thoughts of a dreary 12-point loss moment from a program that has ris. On to the Sweet 16. in Indy fades away in a hurry. given fans more than a few. The beauty of those moments So it goes for the Badgers, who With six minutes remaining, is you remember where you were for the fifth time in six years have the Badgers trailed Xavier by when it happened. advanced to the second week­ nine points. The second-seeded You remember where you end of the NCAA tournament. Musketeers were on the brink of were when Sam Dekker nailed That makes them a party of one, pulling away. Only it never hap­ the knockout 3 against Arizona. as no other program can make pened. A deep 3-pointer from Or how about Sam’s step-back that claim. Not bad. And for good Koenig to tie. Zak Showalter took trey against Kentucky? Maybe measure, you get a little drama a charge. Then Koenig splashes not buzzer-beaters, but they are along the way. a step-back from the corner. shots that will live forever. Opinions may vary, but for Sweet. Sixteen. The Badgers have had plenty sheer craziness, last weekend I couldn’t help but think of of big-shot artists. In addition to might have been as nutty as ever. another player who wore No. 24 those already mentioned, there Stunning upsets, such as Middle as a Badger. The name is Fred­ are others such as Traevon Jack­ Tennessee shocking Michigan die Owens. The year was 2003. son, Kam Taylor, Trevon Hughes State. A half-court heave from It was a second-round game and Jordan Taylor, to name a few. Northern Iowa’s Paul Jespersen against 13th-seeded Tulsa. Not everyone desires to be the (from Merrill, Wisconsin) to beat With 3:36 remaining, the Bad­ man in those moments. Fortu­ Texas. Two days later against gers trailed, 58-45. The game nately, the Badgers have had Texas A&M, the Panthers let a was all but over, and I remember plenty of players who very much 12-point lead slip away in the saying as much on the air. want the ball when the spotlight final minute before eventually Only it was far from over. Wis­ is brightest. And they have deliv­ losing in double overtime. consin rallied with an 11-point ered in a big way. Talk about a cruel turn of run. Then after trading buckets, Bronson Koenig joins the list, events. But that is how it works the Badgers had the ball with 12 and the season continues for at this time of year. seconds to play and down 60­ least one more game. The Badgers can relate. Maybe 58. It was logical to think Devin Gotta love March. Even if it not to the extent of the UNI-Tex­ Harris was going to take the shot, includes some game in Indianap­ as A&M game, which is the either a two or a three. Tulsa olis we barely remember. ■

THE VOICE PAGE 1 OF 1 ASK THE BADGERS

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN BRONSON KOENIG ? HIT HIS SHOT? LEONARD CEDERHOLM JACK McLAUGHLIN JIM’S PHOTOS

MACY OSWALD DREW CONNER T.J. RUSCHELL TESSA CICHY Senior ■ Softball Senior ■ Men’s Soccer Junior ■ Wrestling Senior ■ Women’s Basketball Caseyville, Ill. Cary, Ill. Crittenden, Ky. Somerset, Wis.

“I was in my apart­ “I was actually there “I was with (team­ “I’m on spring ment with some at the game when mates) Brock Hor­ break in Cancun of my teammates Bronson hit that wath and Johnny with my family and and threw my pizza shot. It was amaz­ Jimenez at my women’s hockey across the room in ing and the seats house in Madison. player Courtney excitement when were great. I was Johnny and I had Burke. We found a he hit the shot. We there by myself, so just gotten back place and watched were so pumped to after Bronson hit it from the NCAA the game with a ton see such great com­ I ended up hugging championships in of Badger fans. The posure from Bron­ some random dude New York City. It whole place went son and the team next to me.” was such a sick wild when Bronson as whole. We kept ▶ WATCH VIDEO shot and we were hit the shot. It was getting messages all all going crazy and awesome, Badger night from friends jumping around ev­ fans are every­ telling us how lucky erywhere. This team where.” we are to be Bad­ has been so fun to ▶ WATCH VIDEO gers.” watch all year long.” ▶ WATCH VIDEO ▶ WATCH VIDEO BADGERING

SAM GINOUVES

Sam Ginouves, a Harvard, Massachusetts, native, is senior captain for ALL ABOUT SAM the men’s rowing team. Tall like most successful rowers at 6-foot-4, Gi­ Year: Senior nouves already has competed in three Intercollegiate Rowing Associa­ Major: Economics tion National Championships with Wisconsin’s varsity eight, making a Height: 6-4 rare appearance in the top boat as a freshman. The economics major is Hometown: Harvard, Massachusetts set to move on to Denver for a job after graduating this spring. Go to full bio »

How excited are you to see that Lake Mendota is already QUICK Qs WITH SAM open and ice-free? No. 1 on your bucket list? “The year before I came in, Mendota broke this early and it got “Go skydiving.” me all excited. Then I came in freshman year and it thawed Biggest college lesson? in mid-April. Now that we have this extra month this year, it is “Everything in moderation.” going to be huge. Coach (Chris) Clark has mentioned that he’s had success when it has thawed late and when it has thawed Favorite sport other than rowing? “Snowboarding.”

SCROLL early, but I think it is only a good thing at this point. For our psyche to be on the water so early, to have spring break here, Favorite spot to eat? you can just tell all the guys are holding their heads a little “The Old Fashioned, two blocks away higher.” from my apartment.”

What is your favorite time of day to row? Quick math: How far have you rowed at UW? “I think it definitely depends on the weather. If it is a really “I’ve probably rowed between 6-8 mil­ flat-water morning, it is nice to see the sun rise. In perfect lion meters (6,000 to 8,000 miles).” conditions with flat water all day, I would say 4 p.m. It is nice to go in the afternoon with calm waters during the warmest Sam or Peter? part of the day. You are definitely a little more awake than the “Technically, my first name is Peter, but I go by my middle name, so Sam.” mornings.”

You always see rowers collapse at the end of a race. What does it feel like after you’ve rowed 2,000 meters? “I’ve read all the rowing articles that say doing one 2K (2000 meters) is the equivalent of playing back-to-back basketball games. It is exhausting; all the practices and training con- densed into six minutes. Sometimes the last stroke is relieving and sometimes you only feel pain. The relief will come later once you recover. It will always put things in perspective. Some future day sitting in an office when things aren’t going well, your boss is yelling at you, you can look back and think, ‘at least it is not a 2K.’ “One way to describe the physical feeling ― when we are do- ing a 2K on the erg and the music is blasting in the boathouse, you don’t remember what music was playing for the last one- third of the row. You can have guys yelling in your ear and you won’t remember. Your coach can tell you to make a move on the erg, which you will do, but you won’t remember it. The adrenaline going through your body, the pain you are in ― not blacking out ― but you just get into a zone. It is a cool feeling coming out of it.”

How did you get your start in rowing? “I started rowing in seventh grade at The Bromfield School in Massachusetts. I didn’t really like basketball and my mom signed me up for rowing. I started during the winter training and my coach knew that I was going to be good at rowing be- cause I actually enjoyed the winter training, because most peo- ple don’t. I started there and just built the intensity throughout. I won nationals in high school and kept it going and wanted to row at the Division I level.”

What are you most proud of in your life? “Being captain of this rowing team. It has really helped define me. It has helped me get a job. It has really helped me realize what I want, which is to be around a strong team environment. Guys are always pushing each other and trying to get the best out of each other and I think it is a really important skill.”

What is the team’s perspective for the coming season? “Being here for four years, I’ve never seen the three classes ― sophomores, juniors, seniors ― be so cohesive. We all like to hang out on the weekends. We just have a great synergy be- tween the three classes. I definitely think that is a good omen, not just for this year, but where I’m going to be able to leave this team on a high note. It has really been a lot of positive vibes in every direction. The rowing has been going well and we’ve been breaking records on the ergs.”

Where were you when Bronson Koenig hit that shot on Sun- day? “I was in my apartment with eight or nine of my roommates and a lot of our friends. We were all pretty psyched. That was really sweet. It was cool to see the Badger community come together around it.” ■ ICON SPORTSWIRE MAX SIKER

ost basketball players have a love-hate rela­ have to do our best to emulate it.” tionship with the “squeaky feet” drills. The emphasis has been on playing defense as a M It’s no different in the Wisconsin locker unit; five players on a string. room. “If one guy is not doing something right, it kind “No player likes it,” suggested redshirt freshman of messes up everyone else,” offered junior point Ethan Happ, who quickly tossed in a qualifier. “I guard Bronson Koenig. “So we just have to try and should speak for myself because I’ve never liked it help each other out as much as possible. just because it’s conditioning. “I don’t really know many players who enjoy them,” “It’s a burn in your legs to squeak your feet; slide, he opined of the squeaky feet drills. “You’re trying to slide, slide; squeak your feet, slide, slide, slide. Nev­ pack the lane and contain the first dribble. But it has er liked it. But I’ve done it with enthusiasm because helped us a lot and it kind of shows.” I know it makes us better as a team.” In doing the simple math, Hayes reiterated the The squeaking is from the shoes; quick stops and fundamental concept, “Five guys have to be on a short choppy steps on defensive close-outs. string and the better we are on that string, the better “It’s kind of difficult sometimes because you know the defense is.” what’s coming (in practice) whereas during a game Interjected Happ, “We don’t win these last two sometimes other things take over and you forget to games if we’re not five on a string. We’ve picked it squeak,” admitted junior Nigel Hayes. “In the drills, up on defense and that’s a big reason why we’re in it’s easier to do it perfectly than the games, but we the Sweet 16.”

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 2 OF 8 ■ ■ ■ ■ a bucket to a teammate ― if it helps the team win.” hop, chop, chop. Koenig had a career-high seven rebounds against The squeaking of basketball shoes on the Pitt when his shot wasn’t falling (1-of-8). Chardwood is sweet music to the ears of UW “Me and Nigel have struggled with our shots the head coach , who has been exposing his past few games,” Koenig acknowledged, “but we’ve players to Pack Line drills and principles while con- just found ways to facilitate and help other guys step ditioning them to the up by either - benefits of playing sol- ing or defending.” id defense, particularly “WE DON’T WIN THESE LAST TWO GAMES IF Although everyone when their shooting is is still abuzz over Koe­ inconsistent. WE’RE NOT FIVE ON“ A STRING. WE’VE PICKED nig’s shot-making in “That’s a great sign to IT UP ON DEFENSE AND THAT’S A BIG REASON the Xavier victory ― see that they’re starting WHY WE’RE IN THE SWEET 16.” none bigger or more to really understand cold-blooded than his how to play together buzzer-beater ― he defensively,” Gard said. “We’ve been able to find a also grabbed seven rebounds on Sunday night. way when we aren’t scoring efficiently.” “I’m always the first guy back (on defense) but I’ve In finding their way since a disappointing start to been trying to be a little more hungry on the boards the season, the Badgers have been taking care of the past couple of games,” Koenig said. “Luckily, the little things ― especially in the NCAA tournament I’ve had some bounces that have gone my way. But ― from Vitto Brown locking up Pitt’s Jamel Artis to I’ve tried to go to the glass a little more. force a shot-clock to Zak Showalter taking “It’s having a nose for the ball, anticipating where a charge on Xavier’s Edmond MAX SIKER Sumner. There are many other ex­ amples that tend to go unno­ ticed, according to Happ. “It’s making an extra rota­ tion on defense ― it’s keeping your guy in front of you,” he said. “It’s making a hard cut when you know you’re not go­ ing to get the ball but in mak­ ing that hard cut it’s going to free up another opportunity for someone else.” It’s Hayes back-tapping the ball to a teammate to extend an offensive possession. “Nigel does that a lot,” Happ said. “I did that once in the Pitt game. There was no chance of me getting it (the offensive rebound), so I just tried to get it to Bronson. DAVID STLUKA

That’s big. We don’t like to DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA worry about statistics ― giving up a rebound or an assist or

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 3 OF 8 it’s going to come off the rim and getting to that spot before anyone else.” Xavier had a chance to grab some early mo­ mentum with its vaunted transition offense but failed to score on two fast-break opportunities. Hayes blocked Trevon Bluiett’s attempt, while Koenig harassed and distracted Remy Abell into misfiring at the rim. Little things. Positive results. “I was thinking about taking a charge, but I didn’t think I could get my feet set quick enough,” Koenig said of the sequence with Abell, who was later victimized by the game-winning 3. “I was trying to anticipate when he was going to jump and he might have thought I was going to take that charge.” And so he flinched― due in this case to Koe­ nig’s hustle to get back and to protect the basket, not score one himself. “It’s kind of like what we were talking about before when you don’t always have the ball going in for you …” said Koenig, finding a way to contribute on defense. In this context, he agreed that intangibles are ingredients in the success recipe. “It’s guys who do the hustle plays,” he said,

DAVID STLUKA “that don’t necessarily show up in a box score.” It’s Khalil Iverson, Koenig cited, bringing energy and getting the most out of 12 minutes of playing time against Xavier. The UW freshman showed up with a and dunk, an assist and three blocked shots. In addition, he had a memorable rebound; memorable for its hang time. Air Iverson. “He went up,” said Happ, pausing, “and he was up there for awhile.” Pondered Hayes, “I wonder what it feels like to be up there that high?” To this end, Hayes has been encouraging Iver- son to get more use out of his natural gifts. “That’s something we tell him ― that he can have an immediate impact,” Hayes said. “He may not be an offensive threat for us at this time but he’s definitely able to contribute defensively and with his rebounding. He doesn’t know how good of a defender he is yet.

ICON SPORTSWIRE “When he does that for us ― which he has of late ― it makes us a better team overall with more depth.” On Friday, Charlie Thomas sparked a late first-

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 4 OF 8

MAX SIKER

▲ TAP TO WATCH - Wisconsin vs. Xavier Highlights half run with a basket and rebound against Pitt. On just been one (basket), but it was a big one. It’s a Sunday, Alex Illikainen, who had gone six games team game and even though you didn’t shoot the without scoring, converted on an assist from Hayes. ball like you hoped, you had that one drive and it Thomas also made his presence felt in the Xavier was big for us. win with three rebounds and one memorable . “Whenever our bench is going, I feel a lot more Memorable because the 6-foot-8, 253-pound confident that we’re going to win.” Thomas flattened guard Myles Davis. Mired in a shooting slump, Hayes is still confident “I don’t think he saw him,” said Happ, who ob­ ― and trying to get “going” on offense. served and heard the Hayes did capitalize contact, with Davis hit­ on a deflection, a hustle ting the floor. “He (Thom­ “THAT’S A GREAT SIGN TO SEE THAT THEY’RE play, that led to a first half as) was just trying to get dunk against Xavier. STARTING TO REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW TO over him (the ). “ Little things. Positive Obviously, we don’t want PLAY TOGETHER DEFENSIVELY,” GARD SAID. results. to take that foul. But the “WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO FIND A WAY WHEN “I thought maybe this guy probably didn’t want WE AREN’T SCORING EFFICIENTLY.” would get me going and to set another screen af­ the ball would start going ter that.” in,” he said. “I was trying Jordan Hill, a redshirt sophomore, has been UW’s to get an easy one (basket) and that was one of the most impactful bench player. He didn’t shoot well easiest shots I’ve had the last three games. against Xavier (1-of-5) but he didn’t turn it over and “In the grand scheme of things, it’s one play, it’s had three assists in 21 minutes. Moreover, his only one basket more that we needed.” basket ― on a hard drive to the rim ― came in the In the end, in a game decided by a single basket, defining 17-5 closing run. the Badgers certainly needed it. “That’s what I told him,” Happ said. “It might have “That’s always something that Coach Gard has

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 5 OF 8 preached to us as a team ― knowing that every pos­ and held him to seven points. session matters and making sure you put impor­ “I took pride in knowing that he’s their best play­ tance and emphasis on each one. er,” Hayes said, “and in order for us to have a better “It just shows if one thing goes wrong here or there chance to win, I had to keep him below his scoring maybe we’re not tied at the end of the game to where average (15.3) and I did. Bronson is able to hit that shot. “That’s one of the things I’m actually maddest “That’s why each time we get another 40 minutes, about from this Big Ten season with those awards ― RICHARD DUNBAR: we have to make sure that we do a better job of ex­ it’s that I didn’t make the All-Defensive team. It kind “MARK MY WORDS, DALLAS JEANTY ecuting each possession.” of hurt me a little bit. Hayes has yet to make a 3-pointer (0-for-11) in “The guys like to joke but in my career there have WILL SOMEDAY BE A POSITIVE two games. been just two players that I felt got the best of me ― FIGURE IN AMERICA.” Last season, he made only 2 of his first 11 shots Dez Wells from Maryland and Denzel Valentine from from beyond the arc in the first three NCAA tour­ Michigan State …” nament games before finally getting into a shooting As he was finishing the sentence, Koenig spoke up rhythm. He made 7 of his last 13, including 3 of 4 from the other side of the room. against Duke in the national championship game. “And … Until he finds his long-distance range, Hayes will “Shut up Bronson,” Hayes playfully replied. “Bron­ continue to utilize his other skills. son thinks that he’s one of those other guys that I “He has really understood how important he is to can’t guard (when they go one-on-one during war­ our defensive scheme,” Gard said. “He has become mups before each game). I won’t give him that cred­ a much better defensive player. He was not dedi­ it. He already has ‘The Shot’ going for him this week cated to the defensive end of the floor months ago. so I’ll let him ride that wave.” But he understands now that he can help us in that What a ride it has been, too, since Sunday’s epic way. finish in St. Louis. “At his size and mobility, I can put him on 3s, I can Monday, Koenig was on a number of national radio put him on 2s, I can put him on 4s and 5s.” shows, including the Dan Patrick Show. That would cover small forwards, shooting guards, “It’s funny, you make a shot,” Koenig said with a power forwards and centers. deadpan expression, “and now everyone wants to Sunday, he drew Xavier’s leading scorer, Bluiett, talk to you.” DAN SANGER / ICON SPORTSWIRE MAX SIKER

“He has really understood how important he is to our defensive scheme,” Gard said of Hayes. “He has become a much better defensive player. He was not dedicated to the defensive end of the floor months ago. But he understands now that he can help us in that way.”

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 6 OF 8 ■ ■ ■ ■ ormer Wisconsin coach Dick Bennett is not only “YOU HAVE TO HAVE TOUGHNESS IN EVERY the father of Virginia coach Tony Bennett, but GAME,” SAID HAPP. “YOU HAVE TO HAVE HEART. Fhe’s recognized as the Father of the Pack Line “ defense, a variation of the man-to-man, whereby the YOU HAVE TO WANT TO WIN AND YOU HAVE defenders off the ball are plugging gaps and sagging TO PLAY FOR EACH OTHER. IF OUR OFFENSE behind an imaginary line inside the arc. DOESN’T SHOW UP, IF WE CAN’T MAKE A SHOT, If executed, it can be very effective against dribble WE’RE GOING TO DO THOSE CERTAIN THINGS.” penetration, among other things. “Coach Gard always talks about the Michigan States and the Virgin­ ias and the way they play their de­ fense,” Hayes said. “You have one guy guarding the ball and everyone else has a foot in the trying to prohibit driving lanes. You’re allow­ ing jump shots, but they’re tough, two-point jump shots.” Squeaky feet close-outs and high hands are integral to its execution. So are the Pack Line defenders manning help positions. “It has helped us in terms of con­ trolling the dribble initially,” said Gard, who has tailored most of his practice drills to specific team needs. “I think we’ve gotten in bet­ ter position one or two passes away. I also think we’ve closed out better in most instances under control. “The biggest thing is being one pass away and how far we can squeeze and how much help we can give, along with that ability to stop the ball on that initial thrust, one on one. If you can somewhat steer it east and west and not get beat in a straight line, your help has more time to get there.” Koenig labeled it, “Old-school Wisconsin basketball defense.” There have definitely been some twists. “Coach (Gard) has been stress­ ing digging down in the post more,” Koenig said, “to give our post guys MAX SIKER a little more help and then being able to fire out and close out on our

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 7 OF 8 guy and not let him get a 3-pointer. We’re also trying “That was my concern with both teams through­ to contain the dribble, absorbing the first dribble.” out the weekend,” Gard confided. “Were we going Gard has turned the practice gym into a lab the to be able to match the physicalness of the game? last few weeks. I thought we were just as physical as Pittsburgh. It “I’ve broken down defensive drills more late in took us awhile. I don’t think we quite matched it in the year than ever before,” he said. “We were doing the first half.” close-outs and the shell drill, and we’re doing one­ But they responded in the second half by outre­ on-one driving lines last week before playing Pitts­ bounding Pitt, 21-14. burgh. Things that we used to just do in October and “I thought in the Xavier game,” he said, “we were November and then put them away.” the more physical team for a large part.” Gard will dig them back out for Notre Dame. The Badgers won the glass, 38-34; only the fourth “It helped us no doubt Friday,” he said of the 47­ time in 34 games this year that the Musketeers had 43 grinder with Pitt. “We were much better on the been outrebounded. It all goes back to the winning ball. We didn’t get turned and opened up as much recipe that Gard has cooked up. on dribble drives. We’ve become better at recogniz­ “You have to have toughness in every game,” said ing where to help from and where not to help from. Happ, speaking to some of the intangibles. “You “The biggest thing is they figured out pretty quick have to have heart. You have to want to win and you that, in order for us to be a good team, we had to have to play for each other. If our offense doesn’t be a good defensive team first and the offense will show up, if we can’t make a shot, we’re going to do come.” those certain things.” There is one mandate: the physicality can never Little things. Positive results. Big dividends. wane. Welcome back to the Sweet 16. MAX SIKER BOB CAMPBELL

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: HOW THE BADGERS REACHED THE SWEET 16 PAGE 8 OF 8

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR BRONSON KOENIG TO DRAIN THE LAST-GASP 3-POINTER THAT SENT WISCONSIN BACK TO THE SWEET 16? JUST ASK FREDDIE OWENS, WHO HAPPENS TO BE PRETTY FAMILIAR WITH THE EMOTIONS OF MARCH MADNESS BUZZER-BEATERS. MAX SIKER

he two moments in history are tied together have distinctive links that some might find eerie. by multiple threads, but Freddie Owens didn’t Owens was a junior guard, as is Koenig. Trealize that until well after the fact. Owens wore No. 24, as does Koenig. On March 22, 2003, Owens sent the Wisconsin Owens was born and raised in Wisconsin (Milwau­ men’s basketball community into delirium when he kee), as was Koenig (La Crosse). drained a 3-pointer with 1 second left to lift the Bad­ Owens’ shot capped a massive second-half come­ gers to a 61-60 NCAA tournament victory over Tulsa back (down 13 with 3:36 left), as did the one by in Spokane, Washington. Koenig (down by nine with 6:19 remaining). On March 20, 2016, Owens was watching from his Owens’ shot came from the deep corner, as did home in Worcester, Massachusetts, when Bronson the one by Koenig. Koenig swished a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give UW Owens’ trey sent the Badgers into the Sweet 16, as a 66-63 NCAA tournament triumph over Xavier in did the one by Koenig. St. Louis. Owens and Koenig also share the same zodiac Owens, now an assistant coach at Holy Cross, sign (Scorpio), experienced Wisconsin coaches re­ didn’t have an immediate flashback to the details of signing in mid-season (Owens had Dick Bennett; his heroics, but then friends, family and fans began Koenig had Bo Ryan), played for interim coaches to reach out via social media. during their UW careers (Owens had Brad Soder­ “I didn’t put two and two together because I was berg in 2001; Koenig had Gard) and won multiple so excited with what was going on at the present titles. time and was just so happy for Coach (Greg) Gard, “Initially I didn’t realize it,” Owens said of all the the staff and the players,” he said. shared touchstones. “Then I started thinking, ‘Oh, Thirteen years later the moments and the men man, that’s a pretty cool coincidence.’”

KOENIG & OWENS: THE THRILL OF VICTORY PAGE 2 OF 4 “An incredible shot. It was much more difficult than mine was.” Another difference in the moment was the weight of the shot. “His was to take the lead with time run­ ning down, so if he missed they’d go to overtime,” Owens noted. “Mine was an easier shot, but if I miss we lose the game.” The clutch make by Owens sent the fifth-seeded Badgers to the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals in Minneapolis where they fell to top-seeded Kentucky 63-57. The unforgettable shot by Koenig sent sev­ enth-seeded Wisconsin to the East Regional semifinals in Philadelphia where it will face sixth-seeded Notre Dame on Friday. There was another shared element between Ow­ For perspective, Koenig’s was just the 20th buzz­ ens and Koenig. er-beater in program history dating back to 1945. “It was an amazing feeling,” Owens said. “Just Owens and Koenig were media darlings in the af­ watching the expressions and the celebrations of termath of their big shots. Owens recalled during a everybody in the crowd slew of telephone inter­ and on the bench ― my views before returning teammates and our staff “TO MAKE A SHOT LIKE THAT ON THE BIG home. He also remem­ and how excited every­ bered a family celebra­ one was ― it was just a STAGE, NATIONAL TV,“ MARCH MADNESS, WAS tion thrown by his cous­ great feeling. JUST AMAZING. EVERY PLAYER WOULD LOVE in, Tihesha Sims. “To make a shot like TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE LIKE THAT.” “Had a lot of friends that on the big stage, and family over there,” national TV, March Mad­ Owens said. ness, was just amazing. Every player would love to The last two seasons ended with Owens on hand have an experience like that.” to see the Badgers play in the Final Four. His shot Some of the details differ, though. was the trigger mechanism for lots of impromptu Owens’ open shot came from the left corner off a feed from point guard Devin Harris. Swish. “I just had to basically catch and shoot like I was working on my game,” Owens said. “Devin put in on a platter for me and I was able to knock it down.” Koenig, meanwhile, peeled round a series of screens, hit the brakes in the right corner, stepped back with Xavier’s best defender, Remy Abell, in his face and fired. Swish. “His was tough,” Owens said of Koenig. “He

didn’t have much room to operate or to turn DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA and fire. He had a defender draped all over him and he was in the deep corner.

KOENIG & OWENS: THE THRILL OF VICTORY PAGE 3 OF 4 conversations. “When you were a player, you had a lot more con­

DAVID STLUKA “Everywhere we went people who recognized me trol over what happened on the floor,” he said. “You mentioned something about that shot,” he said. “I’ve can make plays and do things that actually impact been hearing about it a lot whenever I’m around Wis­ the game. consin fans. “When you’re more of a spectator or coach, it’s “It’s a hard thing to for­ tough because you literally get. It’s a great feeling to have no control over what know I was a part of it.” OWENS ON KOENIG: happens. You’re hoping Hitting that shot was not “HE DIDN'T HAVE MUCH ROOM TO for an outcome you have the high point of Owens’ “ no control over and it’s dif­ career at UW, though. OPERATE OR TO TURN AND FIRE. HE HAD ficult to watch.” “The championships in A DEFENDER DRAPED ALL OVER HIM AND Owens doesn’t know the Big Ten was by far the HE WAS IN THE DEEP CORNER. Koenig personally, but he highlight," he said, refer­ AN INCREDIBLE SHOT. IT WAS MUCH MORE said he direct-messaged ring to regular-season ti­ DIFFICULT THAN MINE WAS.” him after the victory over tles in 2002 and ’03 and Xavier. the tournament crown in “Great shot. Way to 2004. “Those were amazing.” come through,” it read. In addition to watching the Badgers from afar, Ow­ It was signed, “The other 24.” ens got an up-close look at the NCAA tournament Owens doesn’t expect a reply “because he’s when Holy Cross qualified out of the Patriot League. swamped with messages and trying to prepare for In 2012, he was on Montana’s staff when the Griz­ class and the Sweet 16.” zlies fell to his alma mater in a first-round NCAA Perhaps, but just think of the conversation they tournament game. could have.

KOENIG & OWENS: THE THRILL OF VICTORY PAGE 4 OF 4 INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY ANDY BAGGOT ■ UWBADGERS.COM MAX SIKER

Coming together allows UW to keep going Growing closer has helped Wisconsin gain toughness it takes to win in March

isconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard opened his TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE press conference Monday with an injury update. W “We’re all good,” he said with a grin. “Everyone came out of that mob scene healthy.” Gard was referring to the “extremely happy” locker room Sunday night at Scottrade Center in St. Louis where the seventh-seeded Badgers celebrated a stunning 66-63 victory over second-seeded Xavier that ferried them into Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Moments after junior point guard Bronson Koenig swished a 3-pointer that just beat the final buzzer, Koenig and Gard were

SCROLL being launched into the middle of a chanting, delirious, sweaty scrum of humanity. “I didn’t tear an ACL or anything,” Gard reported. The triumph meant UW (22-12 overall) will face sixth-seeded Notre Dame (23-11) in an East Regional semifinal Friday at 6:27 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The win over Xavier was the latest entry into a remarkable file INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS folder for the Badgers, who rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final 6 minutes, 19 seconds to secure the upset. SOCIAL Gard said the 17-5 finishing kick, fueled by clutch shots and MEDIA: marvelous defense, served as a microcosm for the season. You should be able to recite the pertinent details by now. Wisconsin was 7-5 overall when long-time coach Bo Ryan abruptly resigned on Dec. 15 and Gard was elevated from asso- ciate head coach to interim overseer. Roughly a month later, the Badgers were 9-9 overall and 1-4 in the Big Ten Conference following a loss to Northwestern on Jan. 15. Since then UW has won 13 of its last 16 games and needs just two more victories to earn a berth in the Final Four for the third consecutive season. In the midst of that surge Gard was named full-time head coach by UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez. “For them it’s a good life lesson,” Gard said, “understanding that you’re going to be faced with adverse situations throughout your life and (you should) continue to work through them, trust the people around you, stick together and don’t flinch in the mo- ments. “Those guys have responded immensely to everything we’ve thrown at them and I’m proud of them, obviously.” As was the case in a NCAA opening-round 47-43 win over Pitts- burgh last Friday, the Badgers found a way to make plays when they needed to on the way to holding Xavier 17 points under its season scoring average. Gard said his club has learned to embrace the importance of defense. “I think this group has grown defensively as a unit as much as any point in time in the year over the last week,” he said. “They’ve really responded to what we’ve tried to emphasize more defensively.” Gard thought his players eventually rose to the physical chal- lenge presented by Pitt and that tone carried over to Xavier. INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY ANDY BAGGOT ■ UWBADGERS.COM

Desbiens’ impact extends beyond the ice Goalie didn’t win Patty Kazmaier Award but clearly exemplifies what it stands for

nn-Renée Desbiens didn’t win the most prestigious individ­ TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE ual prize in women’s college hockey on Saturday. A Wisconsin’s peerless junior goaltender, author of most dominant season in NCAA history, wore a smile as Northeastern winger Kendall Coyne was named the 19th recipient of the Patty Kazmaier Award. As such we were deprived of hearing Desbiens’ engaging ac­ ceptance speech, which would have fit the moment perfectly. She planned to give thanks to her teammates, coaches and support staffers in English, making them roar in laughter along the way. SCROLL She planned to affectionately address her parents ― Raynald and Claire speak French and almost no English ― in their shared language of Quebec. Most notably she planned to single out eight young fans ― six girls and two boys ― who routinely accompanied their parents to

UW games at LaBahn Arena. INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS Earlier in the ceremony, keynote speaker Angela Ruggiero, a pioneering U.S. Olympian and Hockey Hall of Famer, implored SOCIAL the players in the audience “to make the sport better for the next MEDIA: generation” and to “find your voice.” Desbiens has been doing that and more since she arrived on campus in 2013. She arrived from La Malbaie, Quebec, with a limited grasp of the English language and willed herself to be a better communi- cator. She balanced that against the demands of her athletic commit- ments and academic pursuits to produce some amazing feats. Desbiens set a NCAA record with 21 shutouts this season, rat- tling off nine in a row at one point, which is another national standard. The Badgers won both the Western Collegiate Hockey Associ- ation regular-season and playoff titles. Desbiens was named the Player of the Year for the former and Most Outstanding Player in the latter. At the same time, Desbiens was accepted in an Integrated Masters of Accounting program where the competition for limit- ed spots is fierce. The average grade-point average for those who get in is 3.6, which rivals UW Medical School candidates. You could say Desbiens is brilliant on and off the ice. INSIDE WRESTLING BY KELLI GRASHEL ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS PAM RUSCHELL

Jordan’s season was one for the books NCAA runner-up at 165 pounds finishes campaign with 29-1 record

t wasn’t exactly the ending that the Wisconsin wrestling team TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE wanted, but make no mistake, it was an incredible ride. I Isaac Jordan finished as national runner-up at 165 pounds for the Badgers. That’s something he ― and Wisconsin fans ― should be extremely proud of. He finished what was an astounding season with a 29-1 record. He became the 13th wrestler in program history to become a three-time All-American. Jordan also won his second-straight Big Ten title and recorded his highest finish at the NCAAs. What’s the best part about all of this for Jordan? He’s still got one more year. Jordan has tasted what it’s like to be at the top SCROLL and gets another chance to climb the mountain next season. Jordan certainly didn’t lose to an unworthy opponent in the NCAA finals. He was defeated in a 6-2 decision by three-time NCAA champion Alex Dieringer of Oklahoma State. Dieringer wrestled 33 matches this season and won all but six by a major

decision or better, and Jordan also held him to his closest match INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS of the entire NCAA tournament. As difficult as the loss may be in the moment, it didn’t cast a SOCIAL shadow over the potential that Jordan will have next season. He MEDIA: tore through the 165-pound bracket and battled some tough op- ponents, including his cousin, third-seeded Bo Jordan of Ohio. It can’t be easy wrestling a family member for the third time in a season, but the cousins handled the match with grace and com- posure. Wisconsin returns all five of its NCAA qualifiers for next sea- son including two All-Americans in Jordan and Ryan Taylor, who earned the distinction last year. UW also will bring back sopho- more Ricky Robertson, who already has two NCAA tournaments under his belt in his first two years of competition. Overall, UW returns nine of 10 starters next season and also will bring up some talented freshmen that blasted through open tour- naments in their redshirt seasons, including Cole Martin (141), Eli Stickley (141) and Hunter Ritter (184). Then there’s Connor Medbery, who took an Olympic redshirt this season and will take return to his starter’s role at heavy- weight. He’ll be part of a senior class that includes Jordan, Rylan Lubeck (2014 NCAA qualifier), TJ Ruschell (two-year starter at 157 pounds) and Taylor (three-time NCAA qualifier). The team’s slogan this year was #ForTheW. It was meant to represent the idea that they do everything they can for the Mo- tion W they wear on their chest. All of the hard work, the blood, the sweat, it’s all for the “W.” And Badgers fans can rest assured that, in every moment on the mat, this team did everything it could to represent the school with pride. You could see it in the upset of Rutgers, in the win against Northwestern on Senior Day and in Jordan running to the stage through the smoke and fire in front of a sellout crowd of 19,270 at Madison Square Garden last Saturday night. It was a season with some unforgettable moments, but this year also brought forth great hope for the future. ■ INSIDE TRACK & FIELD BY KELSEY CARD ■ STUDENT-ATHLETE KELSEY CARD

Card’s Corner: Off to sunny San Diego Badgers senior reflects on NCAA indoors and looks head to outdoor campaign

ello Badger Fans! TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE Just like that, the indoor track and field season has come Hto a close. I am so excited for my teammates on their amaz­ ing accomplishments at the NCAA indoor championships. Geor­ gia Ellenwood finished fourth in the pentathlon and Zach Ziemek won the heptathlon in Big Ten record-setting style. Morgan Mc­ Donald also had a great showing at his first indoor national meet. The meet did not go as I had wanted it to. I have not felt quite like I did after this meet ever before. My training had been going really well and I thought I was mentally very prepared for this competition. Athletes have bad days and everyone can have bad SCROLL days in life. Even though you might think everything is under con­ trol or going to for sure go a certain way, things happen; it is just how life goes. Even though I am a fifth-year senior, I still learned a lot from this competition and will carry those lessons learned forward into the outdoor season and my entire career.

Following nationals, I took a week completely off of training, INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS both mentally and physically. After working so hard for such a long time, it is good to take a break to recharge and also to relax SOCIAL before the long outdoor season begins. I spent my downtime fo- MEDIA: cusing on school and checking off some to-do list items before I left for spring break. For fun, I also had a nice little shopping day and saw a movie during the week. It may seem odd, but sometimes taking time off can be the best thing for your training process. This week, the Badgers are in San Diego, California, for sever- al days of good, quality training in some nice weather. We travel somewhere for spring training every year. Past destinations in- clude Palo Alto, California, Disney World in Florida and a trip to Alabama and Georgia. I love spring break training because it is truly a breath of fresh air after being cooped up inside all winter. It also exciting because we add several events for our throwing crew, as well as additions in other event groups. Places like San Diego are nice because we get to go to the beach and eat every- one’s favorite thing, the incredibly fresh seafood. Our hotel this year in San Diego is downtown and just a few blocks away from the water. We are also super close to “Little Italy” and several other neat parts of the city. The first outdoor trip of the season re- sults in quite a few sunburns, but we learn very fast to bring sun- screen. We will compete on Friday and Saturday this weekend at the Aztec Invitational, hosted by San Diego State. Have a great weekend! Kelsey ■ INSIDE MEN’S TENNIS BY IZZY BRINKER ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS PATRICK HERB

Red-hot Badgers prepare for Big Ten play Despite being off to the best start in 43 years, Wisconsin isn’t satisfied

alfway through his first season as head coach, Danny Wes­ TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE terman and his team are adjusting to something the pro­ Hgram hasn’t seen in quite some time: a winning record. A dominant record, at that. Boasting an 11-1 mark at the season’s midway point, Wiscon­ sin is off to its best start since 1973. After starting the season outside the ITA Top 75, the Badgers have sky-rocketed up the rankings and currently sit 37th. UW is one of three Big Ten teams with just one loss on its record. The Badgers have gone 3-1 against ranked opponents, falling only to No. 8-ranked TCU in February. The three wins have come SCROLL against higher-ranked opponents: No. 34 Princeton, No. 23 Min­ nesota and, most recently, No. 36 Drake. With the best record in 43 years under his belt, Westerman credits the Badgers’ newfound success to the commitment and versatility of his players.

“We have really focused on daily, incremental improvement,” INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS Westerman said. “The guys have truly bought into the process and are equally focused on getting each other better in practice, SOCIAL while also focusing on their own tennis.” MEDIA: With only two seniors on the roster, younger players have been forced to step into leadership roles that aren’t usually available to underclassmen. Sophomore Josef Dodridge has filled this void seemingly effortlessly, serving as a calm and collected but vocal presence for the Badgers on and off the court. Dodridge’s play speaks for itself, as he’s amassed a 9-2 record at the No. 1 singles spot this spring and has gone 10-2 at the No. 1 doubles spot with fellow sophomore Lamar Remy.