Badgers have the pieces to go far in March

There was really little doubt in my mind that Wisconsin was going to beat Michigan State last Tuesday night. I personally witnessed the Badgers beat then #4 Purdue in Madison in the beginning of January, so I've seen what a Kohl Center crowd can mean to UW. So after watching Bo Ryan's boys take it to the Spartans, I became even more convinced that the Badgers can go far in March Madness. They have all of the pieces you need, especially coaching and intangibles. The only thing holding them back is if those pieces don't fill the roles they are supposed to. Here’s what the contributing players for Wisconsin need to focus on to reach the team’s potential come tournament time.

Starters

Trevon Hughes, PG

-Needs to be a scorer for UW. Get to the rim, draw fouls, and have a consistent midrange jumper.

Jason Bohannon, SG

-Hit the open three. Doesn't need to create own shot, terrific at the catch-and-shoot. If he has to dribble, shot fake on the perimeter and drive to the rim.

Tim Jarmusz, SF

-Defense, intangibles, and the occasional open three.

Keaton Nankivil, PF

-Stretch the defense. Capable of hitting the open three, but shouldn't rely on it. Big body inside on defense.

Jon Leuer, C

-Focus on staying near the blocks. Needs to let the game come to him, cannot get sucked into forcing shots to try to get his points. The Badgers have not been overly successful when Leuer puts up a lot of points. (18 in loss to Gonzaga, 26 in loss to UWGB, 21 in loss at MSU)

Bench

Jordan Taylor, G

-My favorite Badger. Excellent production off the bench, taking minutes from Jarmusz, and spelling the other guards that get in foul trouble. Needs to stay confident taking the big shot down the stretch.

Ryan Evans, F

-Drive to the rim. Capable of getting close layups and short range jumpers. Another scoring threat off the bench, depth in the front court.

Mike Bruesewitz, F

-Big banger off the bench. Rebound, hustle, defense. The type of player that every successful team has.