3 quick takeaways from Wisconsin’s first open practice of the summer
· Yahoo Sports
The Wisconsin Badgers held their first open practice of the summer, giving the media a peek at the new-look team constructed this offseason.
Wisconsin brought in eight newcomers to its roster. First, they added point guard Owen Foxwell from the NBL, giving them an experienced guard to replace Nick Boyd. They also landed Trey Autry, Eian Elmer, and Victory Onuetu from the transfer portal, while bringing in freshmen Jackson Ball, LaTrevion Fenderson, Isaac Riddle, and Josh Manchester.
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Those seven join returners Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, Will Garlock, Zach Kinziger, Jack Janicki, and Hayden Jones to form Wisconsin’s current roster, with one open roster spot still available.
What were the takeaways from the practice? 247Sports’s Payne Blazevich shared some insight from the fun opening day.
Defensive rotations and ball movement
Wisconsin’s offseason additions came with a focus on improving the team’s defense, which wasn’t at its usual level in 2025. So, it wasn’t a surprise that defensive drills were an early focus of practice.
“The afternoon opened with individual drills and five-on-five work in the half court,” Blazevich wrote. “Prioritizing defensive rotations and ball movement, the Badgers had a chance to battle inside the paint and beyond the arc.
“New point guard Owen Foxwell was poised with the ball in his hands, connecting with open shooters and knocking down a 3-pointer amid defensive pressure. Guard Hayden Jones also stepped into a contested triple before flipping an alley-oop to transfer forward Victory Onuetu.
“The Badgers worked to swarm the ball on defense with Jones, guard Jack Janicki, and transfer guards Trey Autry and Eian Elmer pressuring the perimeter. Onuetu delivered a violent block at the rim while forward Will Garlock pulled in a hard-fought rebound.”
Newcomers shine
The Badgers will be relying a ton on their incoming transfers, with Eian Elmer and Owen Foxwell especially set for big roles. Both had their moments in practice, as well as new center Victory Onuetu.
“Elmer took over the [live] period as he flew down the floor and put his body on the line,” Blazevich continued. “He oozed competitiveness, battling on both ends to will his team to a win in the scrimmage portion of practice.
“He knocked down a 3 from the corner and regularly fought to the rim. Perhaps his best play of the day came as he drove to the hoop and finished a lay-up through a mid-air blow, shaking off a hard fall and finishing the free throw. Elmer also weathered some contact on the defensive end as he hit the floor multiple times, but he issued payback with a physical takeaway near the sideline.
“Foxwell flashed his creation ability as the pace in practice picked up. He dished to Autry through traffic, who stepped into a rhythm 3-pointer, and he flipped the ball to forward Isaac Riddle for a slam. He created for himself as well, splitting the defense and finishing a lay-in on a fast break.
“Onuetu’s length and physicality made an impact with consistent rebounds in live action. And [Will] Garlock looked to be playing at his strongest and most in control – his highlight coming from a tough lay-up through contact.”
Tempo stands out
As expected in a summer practice, there were turnovers and some sloppy moments. But it seems like Wisconsin will be looking to maintain a fast tempo after having their fastest pace under Greg Gard in 2025.
“Miscues resulted in some turnovers and takeaways on Tuesday, but the ball seemed to dart around the perimeter,” Blazevich added. “The offense looked to be moving with tempo for a roster still growing familiar with one another.
“The Badgers are far from a finished product with more summer work to be done, but some of the pieces shined under the team’s first spotlight.”
There’s still plenty to come for the Badgers ahead of the start of the season, but we got a glimpse of what they could be this season with a new group of players.