Michael McCleary
@michaelmccleary.bsky.social
Wisconsin hoops ➡️ badgerextra.com
Daily Orange U. Undrafted free agent. AP MBB Top 25 voter. Once checked myself into a high school basketball game accidentally
Daily Orange U. Undrafted free agent. AP MBB Top 25 voter. Once checked myself into a high school basketball game accidentally
The #Badgers will host their advanced camp on Thursday. Here are the recruits the program will be keeping an eye on.
What recruits will Wisconsin men's basketball will be scouting at its advanced camp?
The Badgers will have several recruiting targets in the building this weekend at their advanced camp. Here's who they'll be tracking.
badgerextra.com
June 24, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The #Badgers will host their advanced camp on Thursday. Here are the recruits the program will be keeping an eye on.
Caught up with former #Badgers standout Tyler Wahl, who just finished his first season of professional basketball — and already won a championship.
Former Wisconsin men's basketball standout a champion after 1st pro season
It was an awfully good first professional season for this former Badgers standout.
badgerextra.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Caught up with former #Badgers standout Tyler Wahl, who just finished his first season of professional basketball — and already won a championship.
Spent time around former #Badgers guard Kamari McGee as he visited a class of art students last week. Even as some chose to wait on the NCAA, hoping for additional eligibility, McGee looks ahead.
A professional career awaits, and not just in basketball.
A professional career awaits, and not just in basketball.
Former Wisconsin men's basketball guard blends fashion, basketball for professional future
Kamari McGee will pursue a professional basketball career overseas rather than waiting on the NCAA and hoping for additional eligibility. Why? Because basketball isn't his only goal abroad.
badgerextra.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Spent time around former #Badgers guard Kamari McGee as he visited a class of art students last week. Even as some chose to wait on the NCAA, hoping for additional eligibility, McGee looks ahead.
A professional career awaits, and not just in basketball.
A professional career awaits, and not just in basketball.
John Blackwell on the new additions to the #Badgers: "They're very talented guys. (We're going to) add some more pieces, but I'm ready to go with those guys ..."
"... If I come back."
Caught up with Blackwell, who is excited by his future, whether it's at Wisconsin or in the NBA.
"... If I come back."
Caught up with Blackwell, who is excited by his future, whether it's at Wisconsin or in the NBA.
Wisconsin men's basketball star guard remains open-minded during NBA Draft prep
John Blackwell is in the NBA Draft process, but remains excited about the Badgers' potential next season.
badgerextra.com
April 14, 2025 at 12:07 PM
John Blackwell on the new additions to the #Badgers: "They're very talented guys. (We're going to) add some more pieces, but I'm ready to go with those guys ..."
"... If I come back."
Caught up with Blackwell, who is excited by his future, whether it's at Wisconsin or in the NBA.
"... If I come back."
Caught up with Blackwell, who is excited by his future, whether it's at Wisconsin or in the NBA.
#Badgers signee Nick Boyd on the chance to play alongside John Blackwell: "I feel like we could be one of the best backcourts in the country."
Looked through film and broke down what Wisconsin is getting in Boyd, a high-value piece to its roster construction puzzle.
Looked through film and broke down what Wisconsin is getting in Boyd, a high-value piece to its roster construction puzzle.
Breaking down the film on Wisconsin men's basketball's new transfer point guard
Nick Boyd had to prove a few things about himself with a year at San Diego State. The tape shows he made marked improvement as the season went on.
badgerextra.com
April 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
#Badgers signee Nick Boyd on the chance to play alongside John Blackwell: "I feel like we could be one of the best backcourts in the country."
Looked through film and broke down what Wisconsin is getting in Boyd, a high-value piece to its roster construction puzzle.
Looked through film and broke down what Wisconsin is getting in Boyd, a high-value piece to its roster construction puzzle.
Austin Rapp thought he'd wait to visit the #Badgers. But eight hours into a 14-hour flight, plans changed. How he landed in Madison⬇️
(Also, if Wisconsin covets a recruit, assistant Sharif Chambliss should always be the one to pick them up at the airport)
(Also, if Wisconsin covets a recruit, assistant Sharif Chambliss should always be the one to pick them up at the airport)
How a 28-hour trip landed Wisconsin men's basketball a priority transfer portal target
Austin Rapp thought he might wait until after the recruiting dead period in April to go on his Wisconsin visit. But the fit with the Badgers was too good to wait.
badgerextra.com
April 8, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Austin Rapp thought he'd wait to visit the #Badgers. But eight hours into a 14-hour flight, plans changed. How he landed in Madison⬇️
(Also, if Wisconsin covets a recruit, assistant Sharif Chambliss should always be the one to pick them up at the airport)
(Also, if Wisconsin covets a recruit, assistant Sharif Chambliss should always be the one to pick them up at the airport)
Xavier Amos is in the transfer portal, meaning the three members of the #Badgers 2024 transfer portal class may very well all be gone after one season.
Final member of Wisconsin men's basketball's 2024 transfer class re-enters portal
All three of the Badgers' transfer portal additions from last offseason could possibly depart after just one season following the latest entrance.
badgerextra.com
April 7, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Xavier Amos is in the transfer portal, meaning the three members of the #Badgers 2024 transfer portal class may very well all be gone after one season.
ICYMI: The #Badgers landed a coveted point guard in the transfer portal on Sunday. You may know him from a memorable Final Four run a few years ago.
Wisconsin men's basketball lands coveted transfer point guard with Final Four experience
To address a need at point guard, the Badgers brought in an experienced one who has been to a Final Four. What to know about Wisconsin's new addition.
badgerextra.com
April 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
ICYMI: The #Badgers landed a coveted point guard in the transfer portal on Sunday. You may know him from a memorable Final Four run a few years ago.
It's (apparently) transfer portal breakdown week @badgerextra.com. First, dug into the film on Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde. He has the size to play a wing, but his skillset provides some options.
Obviously, a lot more portal stuff coming later this week.
Obviously, a lot more portal stuff coming later this week.
Breaking down the film on Wisconsin men's basketball's 1st transfer addition
A Brookfield Central High School graduate elected to spend his final college season with the Badgers. Here's a look at his game.
badgerextra.com
April 7, 2025 at 3:47 PM
It's (apparently) transfer portal breakdown week @badgerextra.com. First, dug into the film on Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde. He has the size to play a wing, but his skillset provides some options.
Obviously, a lot more portal stuff coming later this week.
Obviously, a lot more portal stuff coming later this week.
After a discouraging conclusion to his end-of-season exit meeting, Daniel Freitag told himself that the #Badgers would call with a positive message.
But that call never came. And in Freitag's eyes, it confirmed something: Wisconsin didn't want him back.
But that call never came. And in Freitag's eyes, it confirmed something: Wisconsin didn't want him back.
How a 'week of silence' led Wisconsin men's basketball guard to enter transfer portal
The former four-star recruit had hopes the Badgers would reaffirm their commitment, even after things ended on a discouraging note in his end-of-season exit meeting. But that call never came.
badgerextra.com
April 1, 2025 at 12:10 PM
After a discouraging conclusion to his end-of-season exit meeting, Daniel Freitag told himself that the #Badgers would call with a positive message.
But that call never came. And in Freitag's eyes, it confirmed something: Wisconsin didn't want him back.
But that call never came. And in Freitag's eyes, it confirmed something: Wisconsin didn't want him back.
The #Badgers have six departing scholarships (so far) and three set to enter the program. But in this new era, those numbers might not matter as much anymore.
Explained how many roster spots Wisconsin has available to build for next season.
Explained how many roster spots Wisconsin has available to build for next season.
Examining how many roster spots Wisconsin men's basketball has available this offseason
Scholarship limits are of the past, and the Badgers enter this offseason with a different kind of roster cap. Here's what to know about what flexibility they have.
badgerextra.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:48 PM
The #Badgers have six departing scholarships (so far) and three set to enter the program. But in this new era, those numbers might not matter as much anymore.
Explained how many roster spots Wisconsin has available to build for next season.
Explained how many roster spots Wisconsin has available to build for next season.
"I think we had a remarkable season. So yeah, I want to be a part of it for sure."
The #Badgers young building blocks — albeit 30 minutes after their season ended — said they intend to remain with Wisconsin as it rebuilds. Previewing the offseason ahead.
The #Badgers young building blocks — albeit 30 minutes after their season ended — said they intend to remain with Wisconsin as it rebuilds. Previewing the offseason ahead.
'No brainer': Wisconsin men's basketball building blocks pledge return after season-ending loss
The Badgers' young building blocks said they'll be back, which if true, should create a solid base for Wisconsin as it builds out its roster this offseason.
badgerextra.com
March 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
"I think we had a remarkable season. So yeah, I want to be a part of it for sure."
The #Badgers young building blocks — albeit 30 minutes after their season ended — said they intend to remain with Wisconsin as it rebuilds. Previewing the offseason ahead.
The #Badgers young building blocks — albeit 30 minutes after their season ended — said they intend to remain with Wisconsin as it rebuilds. Previewing the offseason ahead.
A near stunning comeback came down to one final shot. But if the #Badgers season was going to end on a miss, it would have been inexcusable if anyone other than John Tonje was the one to take it.
Wrote about how he earned that right in just one season.
Wrote about how he earned that right in just one season.
How John Tonje earned the right to miss the last shot of Wisconsin men's basketball's season
The Badgers graduate guard finished with 724 points this season after another 37 Saturday, falling short in the biggest moment, yet proving again why Wisconsin wanted him to be there.
badgerextra.com
March 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
A near stunning comeback came down to one final shot. But if the #Badgers season was going to end on a miss, it would have been inexcusable if anyone other than John Tonje was the one to take it.
Wrote about how he earned that right in just one season.
Wrote about how he earned that right in just one season.
Reposted by Michael McCleary
While the Badgers' second-round loss doesn’t wipe out an impressive body of work, it also does nothing to erase the questions surrounding their coach.
Polzin: Wisconsin's latest NCAA Tournament failure stokes unflattering narrative around Greg Gard
While the Badgers' second-round loss doesn’t wipe out an impressive body of work, it also does nothing to erase the questions surrounding their coach.
badgerextra.com
March 23, 2025 at 5:10 AM
While the Badgers' second-round loss doesn’t wipe out an impressive body of work, it also does nothing to erase the questions surrounding their coach.
Takeaways from the #Badgers season-ending loss to BYU on Saturday, one that showed fight at the end, just not enough execution at the start.
3 things that stood out from Wisconsin men's basketball's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 loss to BYU
The Badgers made a compelling comeback attempt in the second half, but could not find the finishing touch to advance.
badgerextra.com
March 23, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Takeaways from the #Badgers season-ending loss to BYU on Saturday, one that showed fight at the end, just not enough execution at the start.
Timeout, 10:50: BYU 67, Wisconsin 56
Getting late. Next couple minutes could decide the #Badgers season. They have missed their last four from the field.
Getting late. Next couple minutes could decide the #Badgers season. They have missed their last four from the field.
March 23, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Timeout, 10:50: BYU 67, Wisconsin 56
Getting late. Next couple minutes could decide the #Badgers season. They have missed their last four from the field.
Getting late. Next couple minutes could decide the #Badgers season. They have missed their last four from the field.
Oh no. Critical moment, #Badgers down just 52-48, and an assistant coach on Wisconsin's bench just got called for a technical foul. Can't do that.
March 23, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Oh no. Critical moment, #Badgers down just 52-48, and an assistant coach on Wisconsin's bench just got called for a technical foul. Can't do that.
Halftime: BYU 47, Wisconsin 36
Brutal first half for the #Badgers, and looked like senior guard Max Klesmit had a little limp as he walked off. Wisconsin shooting 38.7% from the field and 29.4% from 3.
Brutal first half for the #Badgers, and looked like senior guard Max Klesmit had a little limp as he walked off. Wisconsin shooting 38.7% from the field and 29.4% from 3.
March 23, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Halftime: BYU 47, Wisconsin 36
Brutal first half for the #Badgers, and looked like senior guard Max Klesmit had a little limp as he walked off. Wisconsin shooting 38.7% from the field and 29.4% from 3.
Brutal first half for the #Badgers, and looked like senior guard Max Klesmit had a little limp as he walked off. Wisconsin shooting 38.7% from the field and 29.4% from 3.
BYU is up to 1.357 points per possession. The exact opposite of the start the #Badgers needed, as they are shooting 36.4%. Can't show up to games like this playing like that.
March 23, 2025 at 1:03 AM
BYU is up to 1.357 points per possession. The exact opposite of the start the #Badgers needed, as they are shooting 36.4%. Can't show up to games like this playing like that.
This seems like trouble for the #Badgers. Still early of course, but the Cougars are at 1.278 points per possession so far. Trail 23-14 with 10:50 remaining in the first half. Need to pick it up on both ends, and they need their star, John Tonje, to get going.
March 23, 2025 at 12:47 AM
This seems like trouble for the #Badgers. Still early of course, but the Cougars are at 1.278 points per possession so far. Trail 23-14 with 10:50 remaining in the first half. Need to pick it up on both ends, and they need their star, John Tonje, to get going.
Wisconsin's going to ride Steven Crowl again. He has five of the #Badgers' eight, who trail 14-8 with 15:45 left in the first half. Keba Keita has hurt Wisconsin so far in the pick and roll, but he just picked up a foul on a post entry to Crowl. Will be a key in this one.
March 23, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Wisconsin's going to ride Steven Crowl again. He has five of the #Badgers' eight, who trail 14-8 with 15:45 left in the first half. Keba Keita has hurt Wisconsin so far in the pick and roll, but he just picked up a foul on a post entry to Crowl. Will be a key in this one.
Less than a minute on clock. NCAA music is playing. Let's go. Wisconsin-BYU for a trip to the Sweet 16.
March 23, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Less than a minute on clock. NCAA music is playing. Let's go. Wisconsin-BYU for a trip to the Sweet 16.
Terrible seats. They’ve got us like a mile high.
March 23, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Terrible seats. They’ve got us like a mile high.
It's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 gameday. Dug into where the #Badgers defense has grown to prevent a possible shootout vs. BYU.
Two top-15 offenses collide, but Wisconsin doesn't have any interest in trading buckets.
Two top-15 offenses collide, but Wisconsin doesn't have any interest in trading buckets.
Wisconsin men's basketball trusts top-25 defense as top-15 offenses collide against BYU
Badgers coach Greg Gard discussed the growth towards a top-25 defense for a bulk of the season. Wisconsin got there a day before its matchup against a top notch offense.
badgerextra.com
March 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM
It's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 gameday. Dug into where the #Badgers defense has grown to prevent a possible shootout vs. BYU.
Two top-15 offenses collide, but Wisconsin doesn't have any interest in trading buckets.
Two top-15 offenses collide, but Wisconsin doesn't have any interest in trading buckets.