Wisconsin basketball’s remaining big board in the 2023 recruiting class

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin men’s basketball program are in a really good spot with the 2023 recruiting class as they enter the July evaluation period.

As it stands, UW has already received verbal commitments from three-star combo-guard John Blackwell, and four-star center Gus Yalden – giving coach Gard a really solid foundation to build on.

Typically speaking, July is when most of the under the radar prospects see their recruitment take off – making it increasingly difficult for a school like Wisconsin to stay in the mix once the blue bloods come knocking. So, having already sealed the deal on two priority recruits at this point in the cycle is rather impressive.

Wisconsin is expected to take three, possibly even four prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle. So, having two players already in the fold allows coach Gard the flexibility to put the full-court press on his remaining top of the board recruits.

Here are, in no particular order, the three recruits I expect coach Gard to prioritize in the 2023 recruiting class moving forward:

Three-star F/C, Nolan Winter

Per 247Sports, Winter is the No. 140 overall prospect in the 2023 class, the No. 23 SF in the country, and the No. 2 player in the state of Minnesota.

The Lakeville North High School standout is a lanky, stretch big man with a developing low-post game. Winter moves well for his size and has also flashed the ability to take defenders off the dribble and use his height to score over the top.

Greg Gard, and more specifically Joe Krabbenhoft are in a good spot here with the Minnesota native. I’ve been told they’re in constant communication and think he has an incredibly high ceiling, even likening him to former Badgers star Jon Leuer.

Winter’s recruitment will likely come down to Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Unranked G/F, Jamie Kaiser

Jamie Kaiser out of Burke, Virginia is currently unranked by both Rivals and 247Sports, but has been one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail this spring.

Standing at 6-foot-6, 200-pounds, Kaiser has excellent size out on the wing, can attack the rim, post up smaller defenders, and is a knockdown three-point shooter that would fit seamlessly into a program like Wisconsin. He’s also an intriguing player defensively, given his projectable frame and ability to defend multiple positions.

Wisconsin was Kaiser’s first power five offer, and have already gotten the versatile wing on campus this past month for an official visit. Since then, he’s really seen his recruitment take off following an impressive showing during the spring evaluation period – earning offers from Virginia, Maryland and a host of other power five schools.

Coach Gard and the coaching staff were able to make a lasting impression during his visit, and should remain in the thick of things throughout his recruitment. Kaiser would be an incredible fit at UW, but the Badgers are going to be up against some heavy hitters for the fast-rising wing.

Four-star F, Asa Thomas

Per 247Sports, Thomas is the No. 125 overall prospect in the 2023 class, the No. 31 SF in the country, and the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois

The four-star forward is an elite shooting prospect that has one of the most effortless and consistent strokes you’re going to find at the prep level. Thomas has good size, and is beginning to use his length more around the rim to take advantage of mismatches.

The Badgers have been in on Asa Thomas for quite some time, and have largely been considered one of the favorites to land the four-star wing.

The Illinois native would undoubtedly give UW a sharp shooter at the forward position that they desperately need. The question here is whether or not coach Gard sees him as a true wing, or another tweener forward.

It was previously reported that Thomas was expected to take another visit to Wisconsin this summer, but no firm date has been set.

This recruitment might be more of a wait and see situation as UW looks to balance their roster.

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