Wisconsin Screen Roll Replace

Wisconsin does a great job of utilizing the “screen roll replace” action in their offense. It’s one of the simplest ways to get a post up because of the way it moves the defense around the court. This is especially effective when you have bigs who can stretch the floor and shoot. If you don’t have two bigs who can shoot, try using a guard as the “replace” or “lift” man.

In these clips, you will see how Greg Gard uses Micah Potter & Nate Reuvers to get easy baskets. The first two show the screen roll replace with a duck in and a post up from the wing pass. In the last two clips, you will see a back screen being set as the final action to get the post up.

Watch how the passers always look inside and the patience displayed throughout the possessions.

How to Sprint the Floor for Post Players: Wisconsin's Ethan Happ

Ethan Happ gives a textbook example of how to run the floor in transition.  After securing a defensive rebound and making the outlet pass, Happ puts his head down and sprints right down the middle of the floor.  He beats his man down the floor, but when he doesn't receive a pass in stride, he initiates contact with his defender at the elbow to hold his position.  By doing this, he allows Zak Showalter to get a better angle to make an easy post feed.  Because Happ kept his defender on top, he was able to leverage great positioning and make a quick move to the basket.  

Wisconsin "Wheel" SLOB

Here is a great sidelines out of bounds play executed by Wisconsin out of the timeout to win the game.  Coach Gard had two options coming out of the timeout and the play was executed to perfection.  Take a look at the video clip and diagram below.

Wisconsin - End of Game (3 Possessions)

Wisconsin pulled off an upset of #4 Michigan State on January 17, 2016.  The Badgers were down by four with 31.5 seconds remaining  and possession of the ball.  After a timeout by Wisconsin head coach, Greg Gard, the Badgers were able to win the game over the course of the ensuing three possessions.  Here is a simple breakdown of how Wisconsin was able to get the victory.

Immediately after the timeout, Wisconsin runs a simple BLOB in hopes of getting a quick basket.  Michigan State switches all screens on this play allowing Wisconsin to inbound the ball fairly easily.  Initially, Denzel Valentine takes away the shot with a high hand, but then gives a step to take away the drive.  Matt Costello defends the post well to discourage Bronson Koenig from making the post feed.  As soon as Valentine backs off and puts his hands down, Koenig knocks down the big three to put the Badgers within one point.  

Wisconsin is prepared to put immediate pressure on the inbounds.  Instead of fouling, the Badgers elect to trap and try to force Michigan State into a turnover.  Khalil Iverson does a great job of baiting and keeping the ball into the corner while Ethan Happ does a fantastic job of trapping as soon as the ball handler turns his back.  Bronson Koenig and Zak Showalter take away the sideline and reversal passes.  

After forcing the turnover, Wisconsin inbounds the ball from the sideline and set up a simple, yet effective pick & roll play.  The Badgers maintain great spacing, allowing Bronson Koenig & Ethan Happ to  execute with patience and precision.  This play would ultimately turn out to be the game winner for the Badgers.