The University of Wisconsin's basketball program has announced the addition of guard Braeden Carrington, marking their first transfer acquisition in over two weeks. This strategic move follows three earlier offseason transfers: Andrew Rohde from Virginia, Austin Rapp from Portland, and Nick Boyd from San Diego State. With these new additions set to strengthen the starting lineup, Carrington is expected to serve as a crucial backup guard alongside sophomore Jack Janicki. The seasoned senior brings valuable experience from his previous stints at Tulsa and Minnesota, making him an asset for depth and versatility on the court.
Carrington arrives at Wisconsin after a productive 2024-25 campaign at Tulsa, where he averaged nearly 27 minutes per game, contributing 7.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Although his shooting percentages were modest, his all-around play was instrumental in supporting his team’s efforts. Prior to this, during his time at Minnesota, he established himself as a reliable role player across two seasons, logging over 20 minutes per contest while averaging around five points and three rebounds.
Thursday also saw another significant boost to the Badgers' roster with Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas committing to join the squad. Both Carrington and Bieliauskas are anticipated to seamlessly integrate into the rotation right away. With John Blackwell potentially returning from the NBA draft process, the projected starting lineup remains robust, featuring players like Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde, and Austin Rapp. Should Blackwell choose not to return, Carrington or Janicki could step up to fill that critical guard position.
In terms of bench strength, Carrington aligns closely with Janicki as a key secondary guard option. His extensive conference-level exposure and proven ability to produce off the bench suggest he might assume the pivotal sixth-man role vacated by Kamari McGee. Meanwhile, Bieliauskas adds essential frontcourt depth, though the team may still pursue additional transfers to solidify this area before the upcoming season commences.
These latest acquisitions significantly enhance the depth and talent within Wisconsin's lineup following Xavier Amos’ departure. If both Carrington and Bieliauskas perform up to expectations, the Badgers will possess the necessary competitive edge and rotational depth to vie strongly for a Big Ten championship. Fans eagerly anticipate how these pieces fit together as the program continues refining its strategy heading into next season.