
The Wisconsin Badgers are an NCAA Division I college basketball team that has appeared in the NCAA tournament 28 times. In 2023, the team did not qualify for March Madness, instead accepting an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament. However, in 2024, the team made a return to March Madness following a one-year absence, marking their 25th appearance in the last 30 tournaments. The Wisconsin Badgers have a rich basketball history, dating back to their first game in 1899, and have achieved notable successes, such as earning their first #1 ranking in school history in 2007.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024, 2025 |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team | Badgers |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team Coach | Greg Gard |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team Players | John Tonje, John Blackwell, Kamari McGee, Max Klesmit |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team's Opponent | Montana |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team's Seed | 3 |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team's Region | East |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team's Performance | Lost to BYU in the second round in 2024; lost to JMU in the first round in 2024; lost to Michigan in 2025 |
| Wisconsin Basketball Team's Achievements | Ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press men's college basketball rankings; won eight Big Ten Championships |
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What You'll Learn

Wisconsin basketball missed March Madness in 2023
The Wisconsin Badgers are an NCAA Division I college basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference. The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for the team, as they experienced a mix of wins and losses, ultimately falling short of qualifying for the March Madness tournament. This was only the second time in the last 22 tournaments that the Badgers missed out on the coveted NCAA Tournament.
The Badgers' season had its fair share of ups and downs, with several close games and unexpected outcomes. They faced a difficult match-up against Ohio State, falling behind by 27 points early in the second half. Despite a valiant effort, they were unable to complete the comeback, losing by a final score that is not known. Senior Tyler Wahl reflected on the loss, expressing the team's disappointment and awareness of the stakes.
Coach Greg Gard acknowledged the lessons learned from the season, stating that there had been many challenging experiences for the players. The team entered the Big Ten tournament with a 17-14 record, knowing that a strong performance could improve their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. However, they fell short, losing to a lower-ranked opponent and ending their hopes for a March Madness berth.
The Badgers' absence from the March Madness tournament in 2023 was only the second time in 22 tournaments that they had missed out. Despite their disappointment, the team accepted an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament, where they were seeded second and faced Bradley in the first round. While the 2022-23 season did not culminate in a March Madness appearance, the Badgers showed resilience and fought hard throughout their campaign.
Looking forward, the Wisconsin Badgers aim to bounce back stronger and return to the NCAA Tournament, a competition they have graced 28 times in their history. With a rich basketball history dating back to 1898, the team has a strong foundation to build upon. Notable alumni include Christian Steinmetz, the first Wisconsin Badger basketball player to be named All-American in 1905, and more recent stars like D'Mitrik Trice and Tyler Wahl, who have gone on to play professionally.
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The Wisconsin Badgers are an NCAA Division I team
In recent years, the Badgers have continued to perform well in the NCAA Tournament, consistently earning bids and advancing to the later stages of the competition. In the 2024-25 season, the Badgers finished with an impressive 26-9 record, showcasing their strength as a team.
The Wisconsin Badgers have a history of strong performances in the Big Ten Tournament as well. In 2025, they reached the championship game, ultimately falling to the Michigan Wolverines. This performance earned them a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The Badgers have also had their fair share of challenges, such as a disappointing exit from the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the hands of the JMU Dukes. However, they have consistently demonstrated their ability to bounce back and remain competitive.
The team has been led by talented players like John Tonje, who was selected for the All-Big Ten First Team, and coached by Greg Gard, who has guided them to success in recent years. The Wisconsin Badgers' dedication to their craft and their ability to learn from setbacks contribute to their reputation as a formidable NCAA Division I team.
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The team's 2024-25 season was strong, upsetting No.21 Arizona
The Wisconsin Badgers' 2024-25 season was strong, upsetting No. 21 Arizona. The Badgers earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, facing off against the James Madison Dukes in the first round. This marked their return to the tournament after missing out the previous season. The team's success was due in part to their strong performance at the Big Ten Tournament, where they secured wins over the Maryland Terrapins, Northwestern Wildcats, and Purdue Boilermakers. They also improved their 3-point shooting, outperforming Arizona in this area during their upset victory.
Wisconsin's upset win over Arizona was characterised by a high number of fouls and an impressive offensive display. The game, which took place in Madison, saw Wisconsin emerge victorious with a final score of 103-88. Wisconsin's success was driven by the outstanding performance of guard John Tonje, who scored 41 points, including four 3-pointers, and made 21 of his 22 free throw attempts. Tonje's aggressive approach and ability to get to the line were key factors in the team's victory.
Wisconsin's ability to capitalise on Arizona's foul trouble was crucial. Arizona's guards, particularly Love and Lewis, struggled with fouls throughout the game, limiting their effectiveness. Wisconsin, on the other hand, excelled at the free-throw line, making 41 of their 47 attempts compared to Arizona's 28 out of 40. This disparity had a significant impact on the final outcome.
The Badgers' win over Arizona made a strong impression on voters and recruits alike. The team's performance showcased their offensive prowess and resilience, starting the season with a 5-0 record. Wisconsin's success in the 2024-25 season, highlighted by their upset of No. 21 Arizona, positioned them well for the NCAA Tournament and continued to build their reputation as a formidable opponent.
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Wisconsin has appeared in the NCAA tournament 28 times
Wisconsin has a rich history in the NCAA basketball tournament, having appeared 28 times and winning the National Championship in 1941. The Wisconsin Badgers have had a strong presence in the tournament, with a notable performance in the 2004-05 season where they advanced to the Elite Eight. In recent years, the team has continued to perform well, securing a spot in the tournament in six out of ten seasons under head coach Greg Gard.
The Badgers have experienced both triumphs and setbacks in their tournament history. In the 2024-25 season, they achieved a strong 26-9 record, with a notable upset over the highly-ranked Arizona team. However, they fell short in the Big Ten Championship game, losing to Michigan. In the 2024 tournament, they suffered an early exit with a first-round loss to James Madison.
Wisconsin's performance in the 2025 tournament showed resilience, as they bounced back from a disappointing loss in the Big Ten Tournament final. They earned a No. 3 seed in the East Region, facing Montana in the first round. The Badgers have had success in the East Region in the past, advancing to the second weekend of the tournament twice. Their performance in the 2025 tournament demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges, as they secured a spot despite facing tough competition in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
The Badgers have a history of upsets and strong performances in the NCAA Tournament. In 2016, they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Bronson Koenig. The following year, they knocked off the reigning national champion Villanova Wildcats to reach the regional semifinal. Wisconsin's success in the tournament has been built on a foundation of strong coaching and resilient players, with Greg Gard at the helm for many of their recent appearances.
Wisconsin's 28 appearances in the NCAA tournament showcase a program with a strong basketball tradition. With a mix of talented players, dedicated coaches, and a history of resilience, the Badgers have consistently risen to the challenge of the tournament. While they have experienced both victories and defeats, their continued presence in the tournament underscores their competitiveness and determination to succeed on the national stage.
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The Wisconsin Badgers have a rich history, dating back to 1898
The Wisconsin Badgers athletic program has had its fair share of successes and setbacks over the years. The football team has experienced highs such as an outstanding season in 1962, where they finished with an 8-1 record and earned their eighth Big Ten title. However, they also went through a period of decline from 1967 to 1969, winning no games during this stretch. The Badgers football team has produced notable players such as Ron Vander Kelen and Pat Richter, who formed a formidable passing combination. The team has also had four players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The men's basketball team has a long history of participating in March Madness, having qualified for the NCAA Tournament 25 times in the last 30 years. However, they missed out on the 2023 NCAA Tournament, breaking a streak of appearances in 22 out of 23 tournaments. The Badgers have reached the NCAA Final Four four times, including back-to-back appearances in 2014 and 2015, showcasing their consistency during those years.
The Wisconsin Badgers have a proud athletic history and continue to strive for excellence across various sports, with their basketball team aiming to make a strong comeback after a brief absence from March Madness in 2023.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team did not make it to March Madness in 2023. They did, however, accept an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament.
Yes, the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team is back in March Madness in 2024. They are in the NCAA Tournament field for the 25th time in the last 30 tournaments.
The 2023 March Madness tournament saw some notable upsets, including a 16-seed defeating a 1-seed when Fairleigh Dickinson upset Purdue in the first round. It also featured three teams making their first Final Four appearance: Florida Atlantic, San Diego State, and Miami (FL).











































