If I Ruled The World of Basketball in the State of Wisconsin
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The Wisconsin basketball scene is a great place, with lots of talent each year making the competition strong. The state enjoys a lot of resources to just play, or play at high level, or train with some of the Midwest…
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Continue ReadingThe Wisconsin basketball scene is a great place, with lots of talent each year making the competition strong. The state enjoys a lot of resources to just play, or play at high level, or train with some of the Midwest best trainers. But with the basketball high school season quickly approaching, us fans are probably thinking about how the game could be elevated to even higher standards.
With that being said let’s get started on how the game would be if I ruled the ruled basketball in the state.
State of Play:
40 second Shot Clock
Charge – Block Circle in the lane.
4 quarters or two halves
2 more games
The game is just played with a shot clock at all levels now, it’s time. It’s a better game with a better flow. This is a no brainer with every level having a clock and the trend of the states are going towards it. The charge-blocking circle is for player safety, it is that simple, and it should be included at the soonest possible time. Athletes are now too big, too fast, and too strong, that this is a no brainer also. Four quarters or two halves? I personally like the two halves because the game has a great flow and is just long enough. If you were to give me the shot clock I might say let’s go back to four quarters, but I like the longer game that two halves provide. There could be an argument to be had saying quarters would help those that would want to play at a really slow pace; extra time stoppage quarters provide. Games: some of our neighboring states play more games. Illinois plays an incredible 32 but 26 seems to be a solid number to get behind.
Players:
Stop dribbling so much.
Stop with the four or five move combos.
Rebound
When a coach says go to the hoop aggressively that doesn’t mean to attempt to drive through double & triple teams.
Work
If you want to get better – watch Kon Knueppel play. Do what K2 does and how he does it.
Self-explanatory here, isn’t it? Doesn’t really need too much more said, but I will say this to players. A lot of people will be watching your games. I have seen several players that you think are top players, just this year, get crossed off some college coaches list just because.
Coaches:
Yearly ‘recertification’ classes on stuff like communication skills and the rules.
More focus on finishing skills & stop the dribbling.
Form shooting work.
Know this: Scoring is for headlines, defense might win you a game, Rebounding wins championships. (Pat Summit)
All voting for post season awards are to be made public.
Again not much needs to be added here, but I will say this about rebounding: The greatest shooters in the world miss rough 50% of their shots. You are coaching players that will miss a lot more than that. Put back shots go in at about 75% of the time. Simple solution to win more is to make more put back shots and limit the number of put backs you allow.
State of Wisconsin
More WIAA/WBCA June recruiting period games. (that was awesome)
Transparency.
Be at the for front and not the in the back in terms of change.
Parents:
If you yell and scream at coaches, I suggest stopping, be an example, you never know who is watching…a lot. (Speak up if it is a health or safety issue though)
Enjoy it more – because when it is over, it’s over. And time goes fast. Trust me on this one!
Scouts:
Everyone is doing it, so start with evaluating the basic basketball movements first. Next, opinions are made to be changed with honest & fresh debate.
AAU
Love this style of game better, but there should be a way to develop in conjunction with high school to maximize prospects’ potential. Also, need more ‘for the kids’ and not ‘for the pockets.
Recruitment Resources:
I would establish some type of interactive resource that is easy to find with a goal to help players, parents, and coaches learn about the processes.
Rankings 2026
Andrew Jensen Andrew Jensen 6'9" | C Kaukauna | 2026 State WI , Yusef Gray, Chris Pohl Chris Pohl 6'6" | PF Marshfield | 2026 State WI , Vaughn Karvala Vaughn Karvala 6'5" | SF Oregon | 2026 State WI , Jakari Smith Jakari Smith 6'4" | SG Bradley Tech | 2026 State WI , and Ethan Joling Ethan Joling 6'6" | PG Hortonville | 2026 State WI are coming on strong, scouts love their size and improvement. This might just be the top of the list come senior year. Oh, and let’s keep watching Amare Hereford Amare Hereford 6'1" | PG Beloit Memorial | 2026 State WI he is rising fast.
Rankings 2025
Not much in regards to change but Kai Rogers Kai Rogers 6'10" | C Wauwatosa West | 2025 State #41 Nation WI (because you can’t teach 6’10”), Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'1" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI is the top true point guard, Trevor Polite Trevor Polite 6'6" | SF Homestead | 2025 State WI might not be a top ten talent in this stacked class but he is the hottest prospect right now, Latrevion Fenderson, where does he fit, is coming on strong.
Rankings 2024
No changes
Time for debate!!!!!!!