Progrums

Badger Bunch: Senior Class Leaves Hoops Heirlooms

The Wisconsin Badgers’ 2025 senior cohort—six players who combined for 21 seasons in cardinal and white—has set a leadership blueprint that outlasts their stat lines. Steven Crowl, Kamari McGee, Max Klesmit and company shepherded on-court strategy and locker-room morale, earning 150 combined appearances and fan-favorite status. As each graduated into pro opportunities overseas or retirement, they passed the torch to John Blackwell, Nolan Winter and Jack Janicki. Now in their third seasons, the trio channels Crowl’s patience, McGee’s energy and Klesmit’s vocal drive, molding freshmen Will Garlock and Aleksas Bieliauskas into tomorrow’s floor generals. In an era of transfer portals and fleeting loyalties, Wisconsin’s elder statesmen prove that pedigree and purpose can be as durable as a Badger’s grit.

Wisconsin’s next batch of ballers has eagerly taken up the mantle, as if they just discovered the secret handshake at Hoofers. Watching upperclassmen parade themselves as wise mentors is like observing an ancient ritual—complete with nostalgic war stories about “the good old days when we practiced defense.” When Blackwell says he’s “just trying to be their Steven Crowl,” you almost expect him to hand out puka-shell necklaces and host trust falls. But hey, if chanting “Go Badgers!” after each layup fosters unity, who are we to mock? Just don’t ask them to explain the offense without a whiteboard and at least three caffeinated beverages.