The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team kicked off their 2025-26 season with a thrilling intrasquad scrimmage, leaving fans on the edge of their seats! But here's the twist: it was more than just a friendly game.
The Red-White Scrimmage: A Madison Tradition
In a packed Kohl Center, the annual Red-White scrimmage took place, marking the beginning of a new basketball journey. The game format? Two 16-minute halves with a running clock, a unique setup to showcase the team's talent.
A Fresh Squad:
This season's roster is a blend of experience and youth, featuring six returning players, five transfers, and four fresh-faced freshmen. The starting lineups were as follows:
Team White:
- Aleksas Bieliauskas, the 6'10" freshman forward, ready to make his mark.
- John Blackwell, a steady 6'4" junior guard.
- Jack Janicki, a 6'5" redshirt sophomore guard.
- Hayden Jones, a 6'6" freshman guard.
- Austin Rapp, a 6'10" sophomore forward with a scoring touch.
Team Red:
- Nick Boyd, the senior guard and driving force behind the team.
- Braeden Carrington, a 6'5" senior guard with a sharp eye from downtown.
- Will Garlock, a 7'0" freshman forward with post moves.
- Andrew Rohde, a 6'6" senior guard.
- Nolan Winter, a towering 7'0" junior forward.
The Game Unfolds:
The scrimmage was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. Transfer Nick Boyd set the tone early, showcasing his skill with a powerful drive and finish. Team White's dynamic duo of Blackwell and Rapp quickly responded, each scoring 7 points by the Under-5 media timeout. Rohde added a three-pointer to keep Red in the game.
As the half wound down, true freshman Garlock displayed his finesse with a spin move, while Carrington hit a crucial three-pointer. White held a slim 23-22 lead at halftime, thanks to Rapp's driving and-one play. But Boyd wasn't done; he hit a stepback three at the buzzer to keep Red within one.
Second Half Drama:
After the break, the teams traded buckets until White went on a 9-0 run, fueled by threes from Issaac Gard and Janicki. But Red's comeback was led by Boyd's heroics. With 90 seconds left, he gave Red the lead with a crafty layup, then took a charge on the next possession. He sealed the deal by drawing a foul and sinking both free throws, showcasing his all-around game.
Player Highlights:
- Nick Boyd dominated with a game-high 21 points, going 5-of-9 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line.
- Nolan Winter stepped up in the second half, finishing with 11 points and 4 rebounds.
- Austin Rapp led Team White with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Blackwell added 13 points, 7 boards, and 4 assists.
- Bieliauskas and Jones contributed 6 points each for White, with Bieliauskas even dunking over Winter.
Coach's Perspective:
Head Coach Greg Gard shared his thoughts: "There's a lot to be excited about with this group. We have a talented mix of veterans and newcomers, and the potential for growth is immense." He added, "The competition within the team is a great sign, and we're eager to take on external opponents."
Upcoming Games:
The Badgers will face Oklahoma on Friday in the Bad Boy Mower's Series in Milwaukee, followed by a home game against UW-Platteville on October 29th at the Kohl Center. Fans can purchase tickets for both games to witness the team's progress.
Controversial Take:
Some might argue that intrasquad scrimmages are just practice games, but they can be pivotal in team development. Do you think these scrimmages are an essential part of a team's preseason, or are they overhyped? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
