The Swing: A Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Podcast

The transfer portal is officially open. Zach and Jesse discuss the decisions by John Blackwell and Aleksas Bieliauskas to enter the portal and what it means for Wisconsin. Then new point guard Owen Foxwell joins to discuss his journey from Australia and how he ended up with the Badgers.

Wisconsin suffered more March heartbreak Thursday with a 83-82 loss to High Point. Zach and Jesse join from Portland to discuss what went wrong as the Badgers failed to make it out of the first weekend of the tournament once again and what's next for Greg Gard and his program.

It's NCAA Tournament time! Zach and Jesse talk about how Wisconsin is playing heading into its first round matchup against High Point, including an encouraging performance at the Big Ten Tournament. Then former Wisconsin guard and current Big Ten Network analyst Jordan Taylor joins the show to give his thoughts on Nick Boyd, the Badgers playing without Nolan Winter, how far Wisconsin could make it in the NCAAs and more. The guys close by answering some listener questions, including an impossible 'start, bench, cut' involving some of the best Badgers in recent years.

The Big Ten released its awards on Tuesday and a pair of Badgers were honored. Zach and Jesse discuss the wins for Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Then Zach is joined by Wisconsin assistant Sharif Chambliss to talk about being named the Howard Moore Assistant Coach of the Year and what he sees from his team as it preps for the postseason.

Wisconsin closed the regular season with a win over Purdue at Mackey Arena. Zach and Jesse discuss that game and what impressed them so much about the Badgers effort. They also hit on John Blackwell finding his footing, the special moment for the Gard family at the end of the Maryland game, play some Overreaction, er No and answer your questions.

Wisconsin settled for a split of their trip to Oregon and Washington. Zach and Jesse discuss the loss to the Ducks and the bounce back win over the Huskies. That includes some thoughts on the up-and-down nature of the team, Braeden Carrington's huge night, NCAA Tournament projections and more. Then Carrington joins the show to talk about his record-breaking game, what he's taken from this year, looking forward to his first foray into March Madness and more. The guys then close the show with some listener questions.

Wisconsin earned a bounce back win over Iowa on Sunday. Zach and Jesse dive into the latest special effort from Nick Boyd, the importance of Austin Rapp's surge, Nolan Winter delivering and more. Then former Wisconsin guard Freddie Owens joins to talk about his new book (Echoes of Stark Park: Lessons on Resilience, Growth and the Journey to Legacy) that details the experiences that took him from growing up on the Northside of Milwaukee to Big Ten titles for the Badgers to a 20-year coaching career and all the lessons along the way.  The guys then close the show with questions from listeners, including whether Zach misses former Iowa coach Fran McCaffery.     

It was a little good and a little bad from Wisconsin over the past week. Zach and Jesse discuss what the setback at Ohio State means, while also talking about the blowout of then-No. 10 Michigan State at home. Then they get into where Nick Boyd ranks among transfers at Wisconsin, Andrew Rohde's struggles, potential for Hayden Jones, what would constitute a successful season the rest of the way and more.

Wisconsin just beat its second top-10 team on the road this year. Zach and Jesse breakdown what happened to push the Badgers past Illinois, including another great effort from Austin Rapp, along with the backcourt of John Blackwell and Nick Boyd. The guys also get into the controversial end to the Indiana game. They close by taking a bunch of listener questions.

Wisconsin went 2-0 last week with wins over Minnesota and Ohio State. Zach and Jesse discuss the positives from the week, including Austin Rapp finding his 3-point stroke, the dynamic backcourt of John Blackwell and Nick Boyd, and the play of Braeden Carrington. Then the guys get into a very difficult start to February, Wisconsin's NCAA tourney chances and they answer a bunch of listener questions.

Wisconsin had an up and down week, beating Penn State on the road and falling at home to USC. Zach and Jesse discuss both games, including the blowing of a 12-point lead to the Trojans and its potential impact on the rest of the year. The guys also dive into a ton of listener questions.

After a slow start to Big Ten play, Wisconsin has won four straight games. Zach and Jesse talk about the buzzer-beating win in Minnesota and an up-and-down performance against Rutgers. Then they dive into the Badgers 3-point shooting, John Blackwell/Nick Boyd as a duo and Wisconsin's path to the NCAA Tournament.

Wisconsin got the best win in college basketball this year when it knocked off No. 2 Michigan. Zach and Jesse discuss the upset, the play of Aleksas Bieliauskas and Braeden Carrington, and what the win means moving forward. They also hit on a ton of listener questions.

Wisconsin finished off its non-conference schedule with a win over Milwaukee. Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen from the #Badgers so far and what awaits them in 2026. BadgerExtra's Jim Polzin also joins the show to talk about his impressions of Greg Gard's team, whether he thinks they are an NCAA Tournament team and the guys veer into Luke Fickell and Chris McIntosh job security and football talk. The show closes with some listener questions.

Wisconsin is off to a 7-2 start this year, including a blowout win over Marquette. Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen through the first month of the season, including what has them excited and what worries them. They close the show with some listener questions.

Wisconsin's exhibition slate is in the books. Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen so far and look ahead to how the season could play out. They debate some over/unders, talk about Jesse's story on Wisconsin's international recruiting and finish with some season predictions

New Wisconsin special assistant to the head coach is a familiar face for Badgers fans -- Brad Davison. The former UW guard joins the show to talk about how he ended up back in Madison so quick, his excitement level, what he brings to the table, thoughts on Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, his long-term coaching plans and much more.

The basketball team started practice officially this week. Zach and Jesse discuss all the new faces, play some Overreaction, er No? and talk about a tough Big Ten slate. Then junior center Nolan Winter joins the show to chat about his offseason, where he’s at physically, what he’s seen from his new teammates, what will be different this year and much more.

Wisconsin finished its roster for the upcoming season by adding forward Elijah Gray. Assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft joins the show to discuss Gray and early impressions of the other transfers. The guys also discuss the new roles for John Blackwell and Nolan Winter, recruiting international players and the challenge of rebuilding your roster every offseason.

Wisconsin's season came to an end two weeks ago. Since then, the roster has undergone an extensive revamping that is still ongoing. Zach and Jesse return to talk about how the season ended but spend most of the time discussing the comings and goings from the transfer portal and what still needs to be done heading into next year.

The Badgers took care of Montana on Thursday. Zach and Jesse look back at the game and what went right. Then Jim Polzin joins from Denver to discuss the Montana game, preview BYU, Greg Gard's March legacy and more. The guys close with some listener questions.

The NCAA Tournament has arrived. Zach and Jesse react to the Badgers not getting put in Milwaukee, the challenge of playing Thursday in Denver, a little about what they are facing in Montana and their potential path to a deep run in the tournament. They also get into what was largely a successful four days at the Big Ten Tournament. They close with some listener questions.

Wisconsin is entering the postseason having lost three of its last five, including the disaster against Penn State. Zach and Jesse discuss where the team is heading into the Big Ten Tournament, what needs to happen for them to get back on track, the injury concerns and more. They also answer some listener questions.

It's finally March! Zach and Jesse discuss the Badgers loss at Michigan State and win at Minnesota. They also get into whether the recent shooting lull is a concern, the impact of Jack Janicki, Max Klesmit's injury, how to approach the Big Ten Tournament and more.

Wisconsin rebounded from a tough loss against Oregon with a blowout of Washington. Zach and Jesse discuss the collapse vs the Ducks and whether there is any long-term concern there. Then they get into John Blackwell's big day against the Huskies and a strong bench performance. The guys also get into some Overreaction, er No?, and look ahead to Michigan State this Sunday. 

Wisconsin has won five straight. Guard Max Klesmit joins the show to discuss what is working so well, the crazy stretch John Tonje is on, why this team is different than the past two, Big Ten title chances, potentially playing in Milwaukee for the NCAAs and more.

The guys welcome Wisconsin coach Greg Gard to the show to discuss a ton of topics, including whether John Tonje has been the best transfer UW has ever brought in, his feelings on potentially playing in Milwaukee for the NCAA Tournament, the challenge of retaining players like Nolan Winter and John Blackwell and much more.

Wisconsin split a pair of road games this past week. Zach and Jesse discuss the efforts against Maryland and Northwestern. Then, forward Carter Gilmore joins to talk about his huge day against the Wildcats, his career, what's changed for him this season, his future and more. The guys close with listener questions.

Wisconsin bounced back from its loss at UCLA by hammering Nebraska. Zach an Jesse discuss the Badgers' offense and how dynamic and efficient it has been. They also get into an improved defensive effort, and the combo of John Tonje and John Blackwell. They close with a bunch of listener questions on Wisconsin's place in the Big Ten, Daniel Freitag's status and more.

Wisconsin has won six straight games. Zach and Jesse are joined by guard Kamari McGee to discuss his journey to being an important piece for this year's team, why the offense works for him, the mood within the locker room and much more.

It was a good week for Wisconsin basketball. The Badgers put 116 on Iowa and then handed Rutgers its first home loss of the year. Zach and Jesse discuss the wins, including the performances of John Blackwell, Steven Crowl, Kamari McGee and Carter Gilmore. They also dive into a bunch of listener questions.  

The Swing is back! Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen from the Badgers so far this season. Then former Badgers great and current Big Ten analyst Jordan Taylor joins the show and hits on a ton of topics, including what he's seen from Wisconsin, the best teams in the Big Ten, the progress of Daniel Freitag and more.

Wisconsin lost for the first time on Tuesday night to Michigan. Zach and Jesse discuss the game and a big picture look at where the Badgers stand nine games into the season. Then they play a little Overreaction, er No?, take some listener questions and finish with a look ahead to the Marquette game.

Wisconsin hammered No. 9 Arizona at home over the weekend. Zach and Jesse get together to discuss the big win, John Tonje's 41-point performance, court storming, changing expectations and more.

The #Badgers are off to a 3-0 start but the competition will pick up significantly this week with No. 9 Arizona coming to town. Zach and Jesse discuss what they've seen from Wisconsin so far. Then former captain Josh Gasser joins to talk about the 10th year anniversary of their run to the national title game, Bo Ryan getting a banner at the Kohl Center, and the 2014 and 2015 teams being honored on Friday.

The Swing is back! With the Badgers getting the season going next Monday, Zach and Jesse are joined by Wisconsin coach Greg Gard. They get into a ton of things, including his thoughts on where the team sits right now, the challenge of being a good defensive team with so many new faces, the play of the transfers, his rotation, the state of college athletics and a whole lot more.

Chucky Hepburn is in the transfer portal. Zach and Jesse talk about the decision, what it means for Wisconsin now and how the Badgers go about potentially replacing their starting point guard in the portal. 

Connor Essegian is in the transfer portal. Zach and Jesse discuss that news, while also diving into what went wrong against JMU, the uncertainty around AJ Storr, the transfer portal, what success should look like under Greg Gard and more. 

The Badgers know their opening round opponent in the NCAAs. Zach and Jesse talk about the game against James Madison, but also look back at a great performance by the team in Minneapolis and what it means for them in the Big Dance. They close by answering some of your Twitter questions. 

Wisconsin closed out its conference schedule with a loss at Purdue to finish 19-12. Zach and Jesse discuss whether the regular season was a success, takeaways from the Rutgers and Purdue game, the Badgers chances at the Big Ten Tournament and the guys answer some Twitter questions. 

Former Badgers great Josh Gasser joins the show to talk about his career at Wisconsin, the two runs to the Final Four, his take on this year's team and Greg Gard's job status. Zach and Jesse also talk about where Wisconsin sits in NCAA tourney projections, the importance of a win over Rutgers and Howard Moore's emotional return to the Kohl Center.

Wisconsin closed the month of February with a loss at Indiana. Zach and Jesse talk about whether it was the worst month for the team, the fire alarm that led to a 25-minute delay in Bloomington, whether the Badgers are in for a short March, Greg Gard's performance and discussion on Bo Ryan's Hall of Fame candidacy. 

Wisconsin won for just a second time in its last seven games. Zach and Jesse talk about the win over Maryland, some lingering concerns and a change in the rotation. Then the guys are joined by former Badgers All-American Jordan Taylor to talk about his time at Wisconsin, in the professional ranks, a fun recruiting story and what he sees from this year's team. 

Wisconsin has lost four straight game for the first time in six years. Zach and Jesse discuss whether it's time to hit the panic button, the Badgers struggles with turnovers and whether there are any potential fixes to get Wisconsin back to playing the way it was prior to the last two weeks. 

It was an 0-2 week for the Badgers. Zach and Jesse discuss the two losses, reasons for concern, whether it's too early to push the panic button, Chucky Hepburn's offense and more. 

Wisconsin kept its winning ways going last week and is now up to No. 6 in the AP poll. Grant Bilse joins Jesse to talk about the defense bouncing back against the Spartans, certain players excelling in focused roles, Tom Izzo comparing Chucky Hepburn to Mateen Cleaves and a fun story Jesse is writing on the Badgers strength coach. 

Max Klesmit -- one of the hottest shooters in the country -- joins the show (23:42) to talk about his recent tear, what's working so well offensively for the team, the elbow he took to the face vs Indiana, where things have to be cleaned up defensively and more.  Zach and Jesse also discuss what Klesmit has done the last couple weeks, the importance of the upcoming 4-game stretch, some questions around the defense and more. 

The Badgers are 5-0 in Big Ten play for the first time in 16 years. Zach and Jesse are joined by assistant Sharif Chambliss to discuss the great start and what's different from last year. The guys also discuss Max Klesmit's big week and debate whether this is Greg Gard's best team. 

Wisconsin's offense underwent a transformation in the offseason. Zach and Jesse discuss what has changed, why it's working and why it's sustainable. They also chat about Connor Essegian's return to productivity and where the Badgers stand two months out from Selection Sunday

Zach and Jesse discuss Wisconsin's win over Iowa, including the excitement that AJ Storr brings, two clutch plays from Chucky Hepburn and the Badgers offensive prowess despite not hitting 3-pointers. Then BadgerExtra's Jim Polzin joins the show to talk about what he's seen from Wisconsin, where the Badgers stand in the Big Ten and whether they could be a team that makes the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.