Did you know Brad Davison played quarterback in high school? If you watched Wisconsin Basketball from 2017 to 2022, I’m sure you heard that fun fact every other game. Little did any of us know that he was throwing passes to eventual Brewers rookie of the year candidate Isaac Collins. Now, after a short pro career in Spain, Brad is back in Madison to join Gard’s coaching staff. All roads from Maple Grove, Minnesota, lead to Wisconsin, I guess.

The Loss of Kirk

Before I break down what Brad Davison brings to Wisconsin, I do have to mention the loss of Kirk Penney. Penney was an assistant for only 2 years, but was able to make a significant impact on the program. As the Badgers’ unofficial Offensive Coordinator, he played a significant part in revolutionizing Gard’s offense. He brought a modern perspective to Wisconsin’s plodding swing offense, leading to the team’s best offensive season since the 80s. Gard claims that he was calling the plays this past year, while Penney was the one who helped define his vision. However, Gard stated that he will still be looking to keep Penney involved in the program from afar in New Zealand.

What Does Brad Bring?

Gard spent little time replacing him with another former Badger, one that he coached himself. Brad Davison brings a different experience to the program with youth and energy that the rest of the coaching staff can lack. Add to the fact that he played his last pro game 72 hours before his first practice as an assistant. Gard said it himself: “Brad brings a different perspective as a player.” As the all-time minutes leader in Badger Basketball history, he’ll be indispensable with his experience. Expect him to be active on the recruiting trail as well as being the second coach off the bench to fire up the team.

Minutes isn’t the only stat that Brad is at the top of in the history books. He also has the most career 3 pointers made and attempted. That’ll fit right in with the new look Badger offense we’ve seen the past two years. However, those good records come with some bad. Brad is also the all-time leader in personal fouls. A lot of that was a direct result of him playing aggressively and always trying to bait a charge. The thing I want most from this hire is to have the entire Badger roster start taking charges to the point where opposing fans start jeering Brad Davison yet again.

Badger Basketball starts November 3rd! Check back in next week for my roster breakdown with all of Wisconsin’s new transfers.

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This article was written by Jordan Longseth and edited by Hayden Breene