CONTENTS APRIL 2, 2015 ■ VOLUME 5, ISSUE 32 DAVID STLUKA

COVER STORY BUILT ON BELIEF From the time they walked off the floor a year ago, the Badgers had no doubt they could be back in the Final Four. Now, the team’s quest to “Make ‘Em Believe” is nearly complete.

FEATURES ROAD TO THE FINAL FOUR IN [FOCUS] HOW THEY GOT HERE The week's best photos

ICON SPORTSWIRE From go-karts to Chanticleers and LUCAS AT LARGE from Will Ferrell to Wildcats, a look Brust believes in Badgers back on the Badgers’ run to a sec­ BEHIND THE DESK ond-straight Final Four. A team to be proud of THE VOICE Final Four a dream no more LUCAS AT LARGE BY THE NUMBERS BEN THERE BEFORE Facts and figures on UW WHAT TO WATCH Few are more qualified to assess DAVID STLUKA Final Four and much more the Badgers’ chances vs. Ken­ tucky than Ben Brust, who will be BADGER HISTORY watching the Final Four from afar. Best of the Badgers in Indy Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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Brust believes Badgers can take title ndianapolis and Lucas Oil with 15 points each in the 74-73 said, “and teams play different Stadium are miles away; loss to Kentucky. “That whole ways and you’re just constantly I 4,672 miles away, to be exact, day was surreal when you know changing and adapting and try­ from Pasvalys, Lithuania and it has come to an end,” Brust ing to game plan for that.” Pasvalys Arena; a 1,200-seat said. “There are so many mixed There are plenty of other venue that will be the site of emotions from that game; losing ex-Wisconsin players who have Saturday’s matchup between at the buzzer.” gone through similar transi­ Lietuvos Rytas and Pieno Zvaig­ What he misses most are the tions, including former team­ zdes. Ben Brust is planning to little things, day-to-day things, mates Jared Berggren who’s take a nap between games. like playing video games with in Belgium, and Jordan Taylor, The other game Saturday is Josh Gasser. “It’s just so much who’s in Israel. Beyond group a Final Four rematch between different professionally versus texts, they can stay in touch Wisconsin and Kentucky which college,” Brust said. “Just the through Twitter, Instagram, will tip off in the middle of the amount of time you spend with Facebook and Snapchat. morning (3:47 a.m.) for Brust each other, it’s so different, I “Anyone who has played in because of the eight-hour time don’t even know how to com­ this program is pretty much fully difference between the United pare and contrast.” invested,” Brust said. “I don’t States and Lithuania. “I wish I even want to say it’s a broth­ could be there,” said Brust, a “IT’S QUITE AMAZING, erhood, but it’s just something backup guard for Pieno. BACK-TO-BACK FINAL that everyone cares about. I talk His heart will definitely be with FOURS,” SAID BRUST. “IT to Jordan all the time. We’ve his alma mater and the Bad­ actually watched some (UW) gers, even though the 23-year­ SPEAKS TO THE PROGRAM games together via FaceTime old Brust unintentionally left AND WHAT COACH (BO) RYAN and we’ve talked about it.” his 2014 Final Four ring back at HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO.” There has been plenty of buzz his parents’ home in Hawthorn around the Badgers, aka the Woods, Illinois, after signing a Brust still loves playing bas­ Buzzcuts, a nickname of choice professional contract to play ketball. Coming off the bench for some national pundits/blog­ this season in the Lithuanian for Pieno, he’s averaging 20 gers. “It’s quite amazing, back- Basketball League (LKL). minutes, 7.5 points and 2.7 re­ to-back Final Fours,” said Brust, Upon relocating to Pasvalys, bounds. “There have been good who has grown out his hair a a small community of less than spurts and bad spurts and OK little. “It speaks to the program 10,000 some two hours from Vil­ spurts, a little bit of everything,” and what Coach (Bo) Ryan has nius, the capital and largest city he said. “I’d probably say there been able to do.” in Lithuania, Brust admitted, have been a lot of ups and Brust has caught every NCAA “It was a crazy transition and it downs.” tournament game, so he saw all happened so fast that I did But he expected as much be­ Dekker drill five triples in what forget some things that I wish I fore he agreed to the one-year was a Brust-like shooting exhibi­ had.” contract and he’s taking it all tion against Arizona. “I’ve seen What he has is memories, in and making the most of the it in practice and going one-on­ Final Four memories. Brust and experience. “There are so many one against Sam,” he said, “and Sam Dekker led UW in scoring different styles of play,” he I’m just so happy to see that

-PAGE 1 OF 2­ LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS » UWBADGERS.COM

finally come out, especially on predicting that the ‘Cats would “In touching the post, you this stage.” be 38-1 on Saturday. don’t necessarily have to go up Frank Kaminsky’s develop­ “The good thing about playing against their two shot-block­ ment has been equally stunning for Wisconsin, especially with ers; you can draw some peo­ to most observers and Brust is this team, they only have to ple down there and kick it out no exception. “I think back to worry about what they do,” he to guys who can knock down when I had my apartment my said, ‘because what they do is in shots. I’m just excited to see it sophomore summer and Frank their control and that’s the way all come full circle because I’ve would come over and we would you like to think about it and got a good feeling about this sit and play video games,” not in terms of, ‘Well, we need one.” Brust said. “Never in my wildest them to play bad.’ Brust was revving up his en­ dreams did I ever…” “They just need to play a gine. “They never gotten too Before finishing that thought, good, solid game overall and big for themselves this year and he added the qualifier, “Not that not change anything they’ve they’ve always had their eye on he couldn’t do it.” been doing all year because what they wanted,” he said of Pausing, he said, “I just didn’t that’s what has gotten them to the return trip to the Final Four. think then that I was sitting next this point. But it also helps that “Clicking at the right time is big to the national player of the you’ve got an experienced front and they’re clicking, and that’s year. His growth from freshman line that can match up with and what makes them dangerous year to now is unbelievable. give them problems. right now.” ■ He’s a mismatch when you put a smaller guy on him, a bigger guy, a quicker guy. He can work it any way, any style. It’s almost unfair at times to watch.” Brust didn’t leave anyone out in discussing what has made this team click, from starters to reserves, from stars to role players. “You can go down the list,” he said, “and talk about how each person has been valu­ able. Everyone on the roster has done a good job of chipping in.” As far as the Kentucky chal­ lenge, which is obviously formi­ dable because of the Wildcats’ talent and depth, their size and length, particularly on defense, Brust is still confident. Overly so, perhaps, in that he went DAVID STLUKA “Daxter Miles Jr.” with a tweet

-PAGE 2 OF 2­ BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ » UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

In many ways, Badgers make us proud remember meeting Sam Dek­ No one got complacent over pulling for our team and Sam. I ker when he was a senior in the success that they had last like having him in our camp. I high school and I’ve always year in getting to the Final Four. We’ve always had a great re­ liked the way he played; he has They’ve worked harder than lationship with the Packers. so much ability as everybody ever and they’re a better team Anything we’ve asked of them, saw in the Arizona game. than they were a year ago. any type of assistance, they’ve He’s another example of an I remember telling people on always been willing to help. in-state athlete who decided to campus how hard it is to get to a They’ve always pulled for us. stay home, and it makes me feel Final Four let alone get back two Right now, I think a lot of peo­ good seeing the success that years in a row. It’s no small feat ple are pulling for us across the he’s having. I really do like him because of all the great teams country. You can’t put a price on as a person. I like this team. Who that are out there. the publicity that this basketball wouldn’t? All you need is one game when team is receiving and the expo­ Someone interviewed me in you’re not shooting well to get sure for our university. Los Angeles and asked if I was knocked out. Or one game when I’ve always talked about how concerned with all the publicity someone catches fire — like we the athletic department is the that our players were getting. did in the second half last Satur­ front porch, and that’s not to I guess maybe they thought it day. We couldn’t miss. belittle any other department could be a distraction. I told I was really impressed with on our campus. Most of them them, “It’s good, it’s healthy be­ how our guys handled them­ are among the best in the nation cause it’s not just one guy.” selves, how they focused and and the best in the world. Sam has gotten a lot of public­ competed for 40 minutes in the But people follow athletics ity but then so has Frank Kamin­ win over Arizona. through the media and we’re sky and deservedly so — he’s the It was just an exciting atmo­ representing the university and best player in college basketball sphere. We have a lot of alums every department as a result of this season. on the West Coast and they were the exposure. Nigel Hayes has also had his out and about. A lot of former Our players do extremely well share of publicity and Josh Gas­ students living there came up when they get behind the micro­ ser has had his share, too. But I and introduced themselves. phone and in front of the cam­ see them having fun with it and Plus, it really makes you feel era. They represent everybody, fun with one another; they don’t good that there is a connection including our alums and fans; take themselves too seriously. with some of our former football they make them all very proud. These players have shown players. They wanted to be part This year, we had a Heisman some personality and people of this and share in the success finalist in Melvin Gordon and around the country have grav­ of our basketball team. now we have Frank, who’s up for itated to them. Take Nigel, for I talked with Russell Wilson every major award and playing example. He’s very unique. and Matt Davenport and I was in his second Final Four in as The thing that I like and appre­ with Scott Tolzien. I was glad to many years. ciate the most is how Bo Ryan see Chris Borland. You can talk about us not get­ and his coaching staff have tak­ For someone as recognizable ting all the 5-stars in recruiting. en these guys and molded them and respected as Aaron Rodg­ But we get guys who play like into the team that they are. ers, it was great to see him there 5-stars. ■ THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY » VOICE OF THE BADGERS

Badgers’ run was once only stuff of dreams n the flight back to some empty possessions in the Madison last Saturday closing moments left the door O night/Sunday morning, open just enough for UK to keep a few of us were thinking about its record unblemished. a question we posed to our­ The Badgers are in no need of selves — ever think we would a history lesson. The memory see a Wisconsin basketball team of last spring’s one-point loss in make three Final Fours, includ­ the Final Four has helped drive ing back-to-back runs to college this team all season. But that basketball’s biggest stage? intangible guarantees nothing. For those of us who been close Just ask Arizona. to the program for 20 years or Besides, Bo Ryan has never more, the answer was no. We been big on playing the revenge

could just shake our heads and DAVID STLUKA card. This is bigger than pay­ acknowledge how incredibly back. This is about advancing to lucky we are to have an up-close Monday night. It was interesting look at a program that has be­ to hear some of the players last come one of the nation’s best. Saturday night in Los Angeles. The University of Wisconsin I REMEMBER BACK TO Of course they were thrilled takes great pride in the sus­ WHEN I STARTED THIS GIG to earn another trip to the Final tained success of the basketball 27 YEARS AGO. I THOUGHT Four, but it did not take long to and football programs. Since IT MIGHT BE COOL TO ONE realize there is more to do. As 1996, no school has enjoyed the Josh Gasser pointed out, last DAY SEE THE BADGERS run of bowl games and NCAA year they felt like they were IN THE NCAA FIELD. THIS tournaments quite like the Bad­ on top of the world. This time gers. Eighteen bowls. Eighteen YEAR IT WAS ABOUT around, it is more like “what’s invitations to the Big Dance. Tex­ SECURING A NO. 1 SEED. next?” as is next in line with 17 each, In time, this team will fully un­ followed by Florida with 19 bowl season, several observers have derstand and appreciate what it games and 14 NCAA tourna­ suggested the Badgers have the has accomplished. In the mean­ ments. goods to get it done. time, the Badgers will continue Heady stuff, isn’t it? It will take a nearly flawless to have fun, joke around and I remember back to when I effort. In January, Ole Miss took prepare to face their most chal­ started this gig 27 years ago. I the Wildcats to overtime. In lenging opponent of the season. thought it might be cool to one the very next game, Texas A&M While they prepare, the rest of day see the Badgers in the NCAA pushed Kentucky to double us can get a head start on un­ field. This year it was about se­ overtime. In early March, Geor­ derstanding and appreciating curing a No. 1 seed. This week it gia did so many things well, but what this team has done. For is about what the Badgers need struggled at the free throw line. most, this is territory people to do to beat Kentucky. As of yet, In last Saturday’s Midwest Re­ only see in their dreams. The nobody has been able to accom­ gional title game in Cleveland, Badgers are living it, and Bad­ plish that, but throughout the Notre Dame was superb, but gers fans are loving it. ■ DAVID STLUKA ‘WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?’ It was the question that didn’t need to be asked in the wake of Wisconsin’s heartbreaking loss to Kentucky last April. No one in the Badgers’ locker room doubted their ability to return to the Final Four. But their drive went well beyond the power of positive thinking, manifesting itself in a year’s worth of work not only on basketball, but on building a bond that’s as unique as it is unbreakable. BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA

wo years ago, Frank Kaminsky got a by losing their opening game to No. 12 seed Mis­ chance to truly live his life like Joe Col­ sissippi, which was led in scoring by its punky T lege. And he hated it. Kaminsky and some shooting guard Marshall Henderson. of his buddies, five in all, went to the Florida It was a bitterly disappointing ending for a panhandle for spring break. Their destination senior front line of Jared Berggren, Mike Brue­ was Panama City Beach, a no-holds-barred, sewitz and Ryan Evans. The Badgers made only anything-goes retreat on the Gulf of Mexico. 15 of 59 field goal attempts (.254) and finished “It was terrible, I never want to go back,” he with an embarrassing total of 46 points (or nine said of the MTV-anointed Spring Break Capital of fewer than they scored in the second half last the World. “Everybody talked about how great it Saturday against Arizona). was, and we went there and it wasn’t that great. Kaminsky played 10 minutes and scored two There were the crowds and the constant need points (on 1-of-4 shooting) in the Ole Miss loss. to do something and I was happy when we got His sophomore season, thus, ended with a back home.” whimper. Appearing in all 35 games, with two Escaping to Florida sounded like a good idea starts, he averaged a little over two more min­ to Kaminsky after the Badgers, a No. 5 seed, had utes (10.3 from 7.7) and two more points (4.2 tapped out so meekly in the NCAA tournament from 1.8) than he did as a UW freshman.

-PAGE 2 OF 9­ DAVID STLUKA “It was such an emotional game,” Kaminsky game,” an emotional such “It was six at led by the Badgers half, In the second that Kentucky it was of Wisconsin, Instead to reach this point last year, only to come up come only to year, this point last reach to short, these same John to 74-73, in the semis in Stadium at AT&T Wildcats Calipari-coached ­ the feel He will never forget Texas. Arlington, a numbing, room, locker ing in the Wisconsin punch-in-the-gut feeling. us to “Not a lot of people expected recalled. a had we and there were we then and there be be in to such heartbreak win. It was to chance that we know in and to were the position that we game.” that next into go to had an opportunity with 16 seconds two and by at 3:48 five 6:17, by away taken it basically have to “And remaining. Harrison’s Kaminsky said of Aaron us,” from left, seconds six with 3-pointer game-winning of devastating.” just kind “it was the national championship. play for on to went the only senior in the Although Ben Brust was ­ PAGE 3 OF 9­ -PAGE

Kaminsky still hasn’t forgotten what it felt like like what it felt Kaminsky still hasn’t forgotten And that just so happens to coincide, of coincide, And that just so happens to Reflecting on what would be a seminal cross what would on Reflecting What hurt him more than anything was how how than anything was What hurt him more

semifinal game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Oil Stadium. at Lucas semifinal game hand Kentucky its first loss in Saturday’s second second loss in Saturday’s its first hand Kentucky that hasn’t been done in 38 games so far ― so far that hasn’t been done in 38 games the Badgers, who will attempt to do something do something to who will attempt the Badgers, course, with another Final Four appearance for for appearance with another Final Four course, Indy for spring break.” break.” spring Indy for “And this year” he said, “we planned to be in planned to “we he said, this year” “And ment.” And that was followed by a Final Four. a Final Four. by followed And that was ment.” ­ in the tourna very go far to the opportunity crazy but a couple of years ago we didn’t have have didn’t we ago years of couple a but crazy roads for the program, Kaminsky admitted, “It’s “It’s admitted, Kaminsky program, the for roads a team-high 14 points. a team-high energy level of freshman Sam Dekker, who had who Sam Dekker, level of freshman energy out in the first round. The lone highlight was the The lone highlight was round. out in the first third time in 13 years the Badgers had punched the Badgers 13 years time in third had been a mentor ― since it marked just the it marked ― since had been a mentor the seniors went out ― Berggren, in particular, particular, in Berggren, ― out went seniors the lineup, Evan Anderson and Zach Bohannon JOSH GASSER: played support roles on the scout team. And “We were one or two plays they were hurting. “You could see the hurt in away from having a chance to their eyes,” said Bronson Koenig, who scored 11 points in the first half against Kentucky. “And play for the national title, so it you could hear it in their voices.” was really hard to take. It was genuine, too, the hurt, the pain. “It was It definitely fueled us something that I don’t want to experience again, this year.” that’s for sure,” said Duje Dukan. “But it showed what type of team we were in the sense that ev­ fter the Badgers left Dallas and returned erybody was so depressed and upset and just to Madison, Dukan was back on the sad that the season had come to a close. Every­ A court shooting the following Monday thing we had worked so hard for ― during the morning. Others took a much-needed break. offseason and season ― had come to a close.” “The loss definitely hurt and everything,” Koe­ It was all very hard to reconcile for Josh Gas­ nig said, “but I was taking some time off for my ser. “It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve been mind and body; I was so exhausted.” through,” he said. “In the NCAA tournament, the Koenig stayed away from basketball for a cou­ farther you go, the harder it is to lose; the more ple of weeks; Kaminsky for a couple of days. it hurts because you’re getting closer and clos­ “With the grind of the season, everything kind er each time to the ultimate goal. And we were of weighs on you,” Kaminsky said, “and towards one or two plays away from having a chance to the end of the season, you’re happy to take a play for the national title, so it was really hard couple of days off and spend them at home with to take.” your family.” But it’s not hard to see how it could be used Gasser, who was sidelined the entire 2012-13 for motivation. season after knee surgery, was ordered to get off “It definitely fueled us this year,” Gasser said. his feet. “Everyone was telling me to do that,” • • • • he said. “And I definitely needed two weeks to DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 4 OF 9­ regroup, especially after my injury. It had been selves back (to the Final Four) knowing that we a long season for me and I had to play through had the talent to do so.” a lot.” When UW coach Bo Ryan became aware of Meanwhile, Koenig had first heard mentions their goals, he didn’t discourage them. “I told of “hopefully” getting back to the Final Four in them I would go along with ‘em. I would patrol the locker room following the loss. “I thought the sidelines, I’m with you,’” he related. “But I that was an obvious goal that we had set for don’t ever put that on teams, ‘Hey, you’ve got to ourselves,” he said. “We really didn’t have to do this or you’re not fulfilling anything…’” talk that much about it. We kind of knew what Ryan is too smart for that. So are his players, we wanted to do.” from Frank the Tank to Captain America. Kaminsky acknowledged Tuesday that he But before they could Make ’Em Believe, they couldn’t get the Kentucky game out of his head had to believe. right away; he couldn’t stop thinking about it. “You just want to make each other believe “For me it was the first couple of weeks after the first,” Gasser confirmed. “I think everyone game,” he said. “It replayed over in my head, thought we could get back to the Final Four and over and over again.” thought we could win a championship. But I That’s why everybody needed their space, Gasser noted. “We just needed time on our own to be on our own,” he said. “To do our own thing.” Added Dukan, “Everyone went to the gym on their own and after that we start­ ed calling each other and go­ ing to the gym together. And it would be like, ‘Next year, it’s our time, we’re doing it.’ This summer was when we brought it all together and talked about it as a team. We set our goals.” Kaminsky recalled the players rallying around the same theme with the help of some prodding from the team’s strength coach, Erik Helland. “We talked about what we wanted to accom­ plish; Erik does a lot of that with us,” Kaminsky said. “We’re a product of our hab­ its. And we talked about what we can do to get our­ DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 5 OF 9­ DAVID STLUKA ­ “We love hanging out with each other. other. each with out hanging love “We Resiliency. look “If you said Kaminsky. just our will,” “It’s Resolve. said, Koenig playing,” who we’re “No matter Purpose with a punch line. “I’ve been a part of some great teams, on and teams, of some great been a part “I’ve ketball so special in my opinion,” Gasser said. so special in my opinion,” ketball I think, of any list. is on the top “But this team, the to translated not even close and that’s It’s court. ­ of the sea all the ups and downs Throughout has constant son, the one thing that has stayed court. That has off the been our relationship success.” into translated not play­ or we’re down we’re where at games come click at one point or we’ll we’ll ing well, the over take and really half out in the second game.” get and we play our game we patient, stay “we it. into We may not be playing our best back win.” to still find ways but we basketball off the court, that’s what makes Wisconsin bas Wisconsin what makes court, that’s off the PAGE 6 OF 9­ -PAGE

Chemistry. Chemistry. It’s one of the impressive things about this one of the impressive It’s ­ cra ― a charming, playful Nobody is crazier Did Gasser believe? “I did, I did, I believed it Did Gasser believe?

team. And there are many to choose from. choose from. many to are And there team. into the tournament.” the tournament.” into knows the mindset that we have to have going going have to have that we the mindset knows makes us all believe in these things because he us all believe in these things because makes Traevon Jackson. “He’s the kind of person that of person the kind Jackson. “He’s Traevon that comes from Trae,” he said of fellow senior he said of fellow Trae,” from that comes zy ― than Kaminsky. “I believedall along, and ― than Kaminsky. zy confidence, then you can do some crazy things.” things.” do some crazy can then you confidence, you truly believe it, that you have actually and you ways. But if you set your mind to something and something mind to your set But if you ways. that we can win it all. The mind works in crazy in crazy win it all. The mind works can that we back to the Final Four. And I truly believe now And I truly believe now the Final Four. to back I truly, 100 percent believed we could make it make could believed we 100 percent I truly, every year,” he said. “But this year, especially, especially, he said. “But this year, every year,”

has an influence on it, just us.” on it, just us.” has an influence the locker room; we set our goals, no one else one no goals, our set we room; locker the it and that’s actually all that matters, just us in all that matters, actually it and that’s the team). We truly believed that we could do could We truly believed that we the team). don’t know if anyone truly believed it (outside if anyone don’t know “WE HAVE THE ABILI­ TY TO BALANCE FOCUS AND FUN,” DUKAN SAID. “WE’RE A GOOFY GROUP THAT LIKES TO HAVE FUN OFF THE COURT. BUT ONCE WE STEP ON THE COURT, IT’S ALL BUSINESS AND EVERY­ ONE IS READY TO GO.”

“We have the ability to bal­ ance focus and fun,” Dukan said. “We’re a goofy group that likes to have fun off the court. But once we step on the court, it’s all business and everyone is ready to go because we know what’s at stake and what we want to accomplish.” Ryan kidded that this team would make for an in­ teresting reality-based tele­ vision show, the proceeds of which, 15 percent, he DAVID STLUKA would gladly put towards scholarships and meals. Consider the source. Surely, he was joking. And don’t call me Shirley. Where been the reaction to his players. do you think they get it from? “You wouldn’t believe things that are coming “It’s amazing they can do what they do,” Ryan back to us on how these young men have repre­ said, “and still when it comes to practice, it’s sented the university,” he said, listing the most ‘I’m going to kick your butt, I want you to try to common refrains. “‘Boy, they actually are hav­ kick mine. I’m going to get yours (best shot) and ing fun, they’re students, they’re taking care of compete hard and then go into the locker room business, they’re playing competitive basket­ and argue again about who’s the best video ball.’ game player.’” “It’s like, ‘Aren’t you lucky?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, Ryan’s one-liners are older than some of his I am.’ drills. But he enjoys being around such goofballs. “I’ve got a good bunch here,” Ryan continued, “It’s like being a kid again,” he said. Yet they’re “and I haven’t had a bad bunch, ever. It’s just all business when they have to be. “When we get this group, because of how well they’ve played, on the floor or we do anything basketball-wise. I they’ve garnered more attention therefore, never have to worry about them. They can sep­ more people see ― with social media and ev­ arate.” erything else ― who these guys really are.” What has been most flattering to Ryan has Perspective and passion.

-PAGE 7 OF 9­ “We like playing basketball,” Dekker said. ence will help us.” “We’re not going to get too hyped up (for Ken­ What Ryan experienced that first practice at tucky). It’s just another game. It’s just in a bigger Jerry’s World was not pleasant. “It’s like being gym. Once you get on the court, it’s the same outdoors in some big canyon,” he said. “I had basketball. We just gotta do our thing. these certain drills that I do and I watch body “We have prepared so much for this, starting language and interaction of play and then we in June; we knew what we wanted to do, we put started doing some possessions …” in the work and now it shouldn’t be anything At which point he had seen enough and he or­ different. We don’t have to change anything. dered up some “lines” for the players; full-out We’ve just got to be ourselves.” sprints from boundary to boundary. “We did 16 Experience. lines,” he said. “You have to do it under 60 sec­ “We’ve been exposed to it,” Gasser said of the onds and you gotta sprint. Nobody hesitated.” Final Four atmosphere, “so we know what to ex­ That’s because they knew why they were be­ pect; we’re not going to be thrown in the dark or ing penalized. anything. The best thing you can do is to try and “They knew we were throwing the ball way, have some fun with it and enjoy the experience. we’re air-balling shots, we looked like we had “We basically spent a whole afternoon going never practiced before,” he said. “They blew from interview to interview (in Arlington) and their lungs out, meaning they sprinted, and I al­ they were driving us around the stadium in golf ways feel they enjoy it when they can do that. carts. It was just crazy. It’s a different atmo­ Then they were ready to practice. Then we prac­ sphere, a different type of game. We even had ticed.” security guards on our floor. Having that experi­ Players.

IT’S LIKE, ‘AREN’T YOU LUCKY?’ AND I’M LIKE, “‘YEAH, I AM.’ ― BO RYAN” DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 8 OF 10­ “We’re not going to get too hyped up (for Kentucky). It’s just another game. It’s just in a bigger gym,” Dekker said. “We don’t have to change anything. DAVID STLUKA We’ve just got to be ourselves.”

“Let me just tell you,” said Arizona coach Sean tudes with his coaching staff ― Greg Gard, Gary Miller, “Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky, they’re Close and Lamont Paris ― he also avoided an­ really good. And their offense is the No. 1 offense swering a question on the strength of the coach­ in the nation … ing field by demurring in the form of a question, “When Sam Dekker does what he did (scored “Did I bring ‘em down?” 27 without missing a shot in the second half) and Motivation. when he does that with Kaminsky (who scored Make ’Em Believe. 29) maybe Kentucky is the school that can beat “It’s the perception of the program,” Koenig them. But I’m telling you, I don’t know if there said. “I think we’ve been underappreciated and is another out there when they’re clicking with underestimated in the past. Hopefully we’re do­ that one-two punch. By the way, Nigel Hayes is ing a good job making them believe we’re an pretty good and he’ll keep you honest making a elite program. Every game has been a stepping 3 as well.” stone and another opportunity to get better.” Upon further review, redoing the math, Mill­ “We kind of wanted to prove that last year er advanced the storyline on Wisconsin hav­ wasn’t a fluke, that we weren’t there (the Final ing good players by suggesting, “Frank Kamin­ Four) by accident, that we are a good basketball sky and Sam Dekker, I know they’re pros. And I team,” said Dukan. “I think we’ve done a great don’t mean that like Sam should leave. I’m just job of going game by game this season and telling you he’s a great player and everybody in proving that.” the Big Ten knows it and we know it. And Nigel “We wanted to make them believe we have Hayes is great, too. They have that one-two­ what it takes to win championships,” Zak Show- three punch.” alter said. “To lose a tough game like that (to Ryan. Kentucky), you’ve got a taste for what it feels “Bo Ryan is a tremendous coach,” Miller said. like to be the big stage and it drove guys to get That would be the consensus opinion of the back. But we’re not satisfied; we haven’t made other Final Four coaches. But in sharing plati­ them believe yet.”

-PAGE 9 OF 9­ DAVID STLUKA

For determined Badgers, Final Four was only option Wisconsin’s mission to ‘Make ‘Em Believe’ marches on to Indianapolis BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

here was the Sam Dekker drive-and­ what the Badgers were subsequently able to do score that started out beyond the circle over the final 20 minutes in securing their sec­ T and wound up at the rim with Arizona’s ond trip to the Final Four in as many seasons at Stanley Johnson picking up his fifth personal the expense of the Wildcats. foul. That was followed later by the high-arc­ With 1.5 seconds left before halftime, Dekker ing Dekker 3-pointer over the outstretched attacked off the dribble and drew a foul on Hol­ arm of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson whose muscu­ lis-Jefferson, one of the top defenders in the Pac­ lar shoulders drooped when the ball whistled 12. That let Dekker know that he could get his through the net, triggering a flashback to Dek­ shot off the bounce; that let the Wildcats know ker’s game-winning triple that lifted Sheboygan they had to be careful on their closeouts. Arizo­ Lutheran to a state championship. na had the momentum, making 10 of its last 13 “That was cold-blooded; I can tell you that,” shots before Dekker’s free throws cut their lead said Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan. from five to three, making it a one possession But of all the shots that Dekker made here game at halftime; same as last season in the Saturday in Wisconsin’s 85-78 victory over Ari­ Elite Eight when the Badgers trailed by three in zona ― and he didn’t miss in the second half, Anaheim. going 6-of-6 from the field, 5-of-5 from beyond “That cut the lead a little bit so that helped the arc and 3-of-3 from the free throw line ― us a lot,” said UW sophomore guard Bronson Dekker felt like the closing seconds of the first Koenig. “And it gave us a little momentum and half were most critical to his “confidence” and confidence to go into the second half and make

-PAGE 1 OF 4­ a run. We’ve been down at half before and we “Our guys stepped up and made them, some knew that we had some runs in us.” tough shots, too,” said UW assistant coach Gary The Badgers opened the second half with a Close, who’s generally responsible for tweaking flurry of 3-point possessions despite losing Nigel shooting techniques, i.e. the Shot Doctor. But on Hayes to a third personal foul 25 seconds into making 10-of-12 shots from beyond the arc, he the half. Frank Kaminsky and Dekker knocked confessed, “That tops it. There’s nothing close, down 3-point shots and Kaminsky executed an not in the environment that we were in and with old-fashioned three-point play, a basket and the importance of the game and the defensive one. That put a third foul on Kaleb Tarczewski, team that we played against. The shot selection which forced him to the bench. Kaminsky then had something to do with it; the talent does as completed an 11-1 run with a couple of free well.” throws after being fouled by Hollis-Jefferson, Expanding on that thought, Close added, who was now also saddled with three personals. “We’ve got some talented players that real­ “We just had to regress back to our mean,” ly performed on the big stage. It’s an unself­ theorized Nigel Hayes when asked to explain a ish team, it’s a skilled team, it’s a team that is 55-point second half during which the Badgers willing to make the extra pass and a team that had one fewer miss from the field (15-of-19) than doesn’t panic when the shot clock starts wind­ the free throw line (15-of-20). “We shoot the ball ing down. Instead, it’s like, ‘Alright, we’re going particularly well from the arc and from the field to get something here.’ You can be open but in general. We have a lot of guys on our team you’ve got to be able to make it.” who are very capable of knocking down 3s.” And once you make one, Dekker said, “You That includes Hayes, who had two of Wiscon­ feel like you can do anything when you have the sin’s 10 triples in the second half. confidence. I got some looks, I was able to step DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 2 OF 4­ into them and knock them down.” because of a foot injury. “We talked about it all Contagious would be the word, cliché but true. year; our goal was Indy (Indianapolis, the site of “It seemed like everybody was hitting 3s,” said the Final Four) from the beginning of the year. Koenig, “and we just fed off each other’s energy. We knew once we got there (last year) what it I did the best I could to get into the lane and kick would take to get back. There was never any it out to the guys. I told them, ‘Just spot up’ and doubt; we never lost our belief.” that’s what they did and their shots were going They talked about it. But they didn’t brag in.” about it. “They set their goals unbelievably high They were going in and now the Badgers are and they were never bashful about it in terms of going back ― back to the Final Four. what they wanted to accomplish; they just took “We definitely expected this,” said senior guard it one step at a time,” said UW associate head Traevon Jackson, who returned to action during coach Greg Gard. “They were not bashful, but it the regional weekend after missing 18 games was not in an inappropriate way. They’ve done it the right way. This group was on a mission.” THEY SET THEIR GOALS Because of their return­ ing personnel, the Bad­ UNBELIEVABLY HIGH... THEY’VE gers were among the pre­ DONE IT THE RIGHT WAY. THIS season favorites, which GROUP WAS ON A MISSION. promoted Hayes to say, ― GREG GARD “We had to make them “ believe what they were saying about us was true.” That was seconded by as­ sistant coach Lamont Par­ is, who said, “There was ” a lot of hype and there were a lot of people who probably didn’t think this team would be as good. But this is not a flash in the pan.” Senior Duje Dukan agreed and put the spot­ light on the team’s over­ all mindset. “We came into it as the hunter (not the hunted),” he said. “We wanted to go out and prove that we were a good basketball team and I think we did that each and every night. But DAVID STLUKA we still have games left to be played.”

-PAGE 3 OF 4­ Starting with Saturday’s rematch with Ken­ nig was savoring the moment, along with his tucky in the national semifinals at Lucas Oil Sta­ teammates. Dekker had mentioned how Ryan dium. had recruited him with these moments in mind. “The biggest thing is just to be able to play with “I know Coach said to me, ‘We want to get to Fi­ these guys for another week,” said Josh Gasser. nal Fours and we want to bring championships “I wasn’t ready for the season to end (against to Wisconsin,’” Dekker related. “And now we’re Arizona) or my career to be over. I just love play­ one step closer.” ing with this team. It’s What was Dekker’s re­ good to get back to the sponse to Ryan’s ambi­ “You come back to school for mo­ Final Four. We did some tious recruiting pitch? “I ments like this,” Kaminsky said, “to good things last year and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” he re­ share it with your teammates, your we wanted to make ev­ membered. “I don’t see friends, the people you’ve been eryone believe that we why we couldn’t. Last with the last four years of your could do it again, and do year a lot of times we life... A moment like this is the most even bigger things.” said, ‘Why not us?’ And memorable moment of our lives.” Kaminsky may have now this year it’s trying framed it best after Sat­ to make them believe urday’s win: “You come back to school for mo­ again. And I think we’ve done it pretty well so ments like this,” he said, “to share it with your far.” teammates, your friends, the people you’ve That left Koenig to ponder his own recruit­ been with the last four years of your life, very sig­ ment. “During the recruiting process, people nificant people that are going to be in the rest of would always remind me of how Wisconsin your life as well. A moment like this is the most doesn’t do well in the (NCAA) tournament,” he memorable moment of our lives.” said. “But I just wanted to come here and help In a corner of the Los Angeles Lakers locker change that. Credit goes to my teammates. It’s room, which was on loan to the Badgers, Koe­ all kind of surreal.” DAVID STLUKA

-PAGE 4 OF 4­ THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY: INDIANAPOLIS EDITION DAVID STLUKA TAP EACH NOTE TO GO TO RECAP FIRST TIME’S A CHARM DECEMBER 3, 2011: Heisman finalist Montee Ball scored four touchdowns and Russell Wilson threw for three scores as UW rallied past Michigan State in the fourth quarter for a 42-39 win in the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. -MORE THIS WEEK­ DAVID STLUKA NEIL AMENT

TOURNAMENT TITLE FINALLY, FINAL FOUR RUNAWAY REPEAT MARCH 16, 2008: APRIL 1, 2000: DECEMBER 1, 2012: Behind Most Outstanding Play­ Wisconsin made its return to the Montee Ball, Melvin Gordon and er Marcus Landry, the Badgers Final Four after a nearly 60-year James White combined for 527 completed a sweep of the Big absence but came up on the los­ rushing yards and eight touch­ Ten regular-season and tourna­ ing end of a defensive struggle downs as UW blitzed Nebraska, ment titles with a 61-48 win over with top-seeded Michigan State 70-31, in the second Big Ten Illinois at Conseco Fieldhouse. at the RCA Dome, 53-41. Football Championship Game.