Greg Gard allowing the Badgers to push the pace
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard has mentioned throughout the years that he welcomed the thought of playing at a faster pace, so long as they continued to play smart and take care of the basketball. This season coach Gard has proven to be a man of his word, allowing this year’s team to dictate their pace of play by the feel of the game.
The Badgers currently rank 271st in adjusted tempo, which is hardly the mark of a run and gun team. But, it’s also a stark contrast to the disciplined and methodical approach they’ve taken offensively for the better part of the last two decades.
For reference, UW has never finished higher than 320th in adjusted tempo since metric started being recorded by KenPom.
Pace of play by year:
2021-22: 272
2020-21: 328
2019-20: 342
2018-19: 331
2017-18: 347
2016-17: 334
2015-16: 344
Coach Gard has given this young team a sense of freedom while showing a willingness to adapt to the strengths of his personnel.
The Badgers have players like Hepburn and Davis capable of pushing the pace, rim running big men, and Brad Davison to shoot three’s in transition. In short, they have the necessary pieces to push the ball in transition should they see a chance to strike.
Coach Gard’s sole focus on offense is getting the best shot possible. Whether that comes early in the shot clock or at the final second is unimportant, it’s about what’s best for the team.
The Badgers are currently ranked 1st in the nation in turnover%, so they’ve been no less efficient with the ball while picking up the pace. Wisconsin has shown a great sense of when to push the pace and when to run their half-court sets.
It’s been refreshing to watch Wisconsin play more up-tempo on occasion, and one can’t help but wonder if other in-state talent is beginning to take notice.
This balanced brand of basketball could certainly be appealing to recruits that Wisconsin has otherwise struggled to recruit. Either way, kudos to coach Gard for adapting his philosophy to better fit the personnel and allowing his team to play more freely.
Do the Badgers look faster than normal this year? @BadgerMBB @B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/Y0j8MzARpU
— JG Trends (@jgtrends) January 10, 2022
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