Five observations from the Wisconsin men’s basketball Red-White scrimmage

MADISON – The Wisconsin men’s basketball team unofficially raised the curtain on the 2024-25 season Sunday afternoon.

The Badgers held their annual Red-White Scrimmage at the Kohl Center. The Red team, led by double-digit scoring from sophomore John Blackwell (13 points) and seniors Kamari McGee (11) Steven Crowl (10), scored a 64-43 victory.

The Red team was more assertive in getting the ball to the paint and it showed in the final result.

“They were 36-12 in paint points differential, so that is something we’ll talk about with the White team,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “They didn’t throw it inside near as much as the Red group did or drive it to the rim and finish it with some efficiency as the Red group did. Some of that is Blackwell. Some of that is McGee getting into the paint and the ability of Crowl to establish himself.”

Here are some observations from the scrimmage.

Steven Crowl makes the most of his minutes

In 22 minutes Crowl hit five of nine shots, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists. He also went 0 for 2 from three-point range.

His best move of the day was a drive and finish he started to the right of the top of the key and completed on the left side.

“That’s really reflective of the guys who throw him the ball,” Gard said of Crowl’s production. “The Red group knew to play through him early. He’s such a willing, unselfish passer, too. I like what I see from him. We’ve got to get to get other guys. I’ve got to have more post presences other than just Steve.”

John Blackwell plays with efficiency

Blackwell played 29 minutes and filled the stat sheet, hitting six of 13 shots, including one of two from three-point range. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out a game-high four assists.

He had six points, including a last-second three-pointer during an 11-0 Red run to close the first half.

With time running down in the first half, he calmly splashed a three from the wing to give the Red a 29-21 edge at the break.

“You can see how Blackwell’s confidence has grown in Year 2 and how much more mature he is,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “He knows where his shots are, where his sweet spots are and he does a good job of getting  to those.”

The big men dropped dimes

The teams combined for 21 assists. Seven came from big men Crowl (three), Riccardo Greppi (three) and Marcus Ilver (one). Nolan Winter didn’t register an assist but made some good reads in the high post that led to free throws.

Last week Gard spoke about the flare with which Greppi sometimes plays. That flash was on display late in the second half on behind the head pass he tossed to Carter Gilmore for a bucket with about 3 minutes left.

“I liked that one better than the backdoor he threw into about four Red jerseys,” Gard quipped.

Jokes aside Greppi also fed John Tonje for a three-pointer and found Winter deep in the paint on some high-low action.

Kamari McGee continues steady play

McGee, a senior from Racine St. Catherine’s, had a solid afternoon. He made five of 12 shots, including one of two from three-point range, grabbed four rebounds and doled out two assists in 32 minutes.

Gard liked how McGee helped keep the Red’s offense running through the paint, which led to a 22-point edge in points in the paint. He was most appreciated by his teammates for his constant communication on the floor.

“Kamari is amazing,” Blackwell said. “Vocally it helps me and Steve. When he’s vocal out there and he’s leading the charge we feel confident in ourselves. He’s talking on defense, got our back on defense. And then on offense, he’s running the show getting the guys involved. He knows our spots. He knows where we like the ball.”

John Tonje’s versatility shows

Tonje led the White team with 12 points on 3-for-7 shooting that included going 2 for 4 from three-point range.

At 6-5, 218 pounds, Tonje has the build of a tight end and should be a versatile piece for Gard. He matched up with McGee and big and could prove to be a valuable piece this season.

He played Sunday came after dealing with stomach issues.

“I just give him credit for going,” Gard said. “Not everybody would go and play after what he’s gone through in the last 24 hours.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 5 observations from the Wisconsin men’s basketball Red-White scrimmage