In a bid to adapt and excel in the ever-evolving world of college basketball, Wisconsin’s head coach Greg Gard has implemented a new game day routine and coaching strategy that is reaping rewards for the team. With the help of first-year director of player development Greg Stiemsma, the Badgers have revamped their pregame preparation, focusing on individualized shooting drills and targeted coaching sessions.
The team has shelved traditional group shootarounds in favor of personalized “vitamins” sessions, where players work on specific skills and shots in short bursts with coaching guidance. This approach, borrowed from the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, aims to maximize muscle memory, build confidence, and improve performance on game day.
Moreover, Wisconsin has embraced advanced analytics and a shift towards a professional-style model in player acquisition and roster building. The revamped coaching staff, including Stiemsma, assistant coach Lance Randall, and director of recruiting and scouting Isaac Wodajo, has played a crucial role in the team’s recent success.
The results speak for themselves, with the Badgers averaging 83.7 points per game and excelling in 3-point shooting and free throw accuracy. Gard’s emphasis on modern offensive strategies, defensive principles, and data-driven decision-making has propelled the team to early-season success.
As Wisconsin gears up to face a tough opponent in No. 9 Arizona, Gard and his staff are confident in the program’s new direction and its potential for long-term success. With a focus on player development, individualized coaching, and embracing new trends in the sport, the Badgers are aiming to stay ahead of the curve in college basketball.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com
