The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball program is officially looking ahead, securing a trio of freshmen for the 2026-27 season. With significant roster turnover following the departure of key players, Head Coach Greg Gard's latest recruiting class aims to fill crucial gaps and set a new foundation for the future.
After losing star guard John Blackwell to the transfer portal and missing out on in-state standout Zavier Zens, Gard faced a challenging rebuild. However, the incoming class addresses some immediate needs, headlined by a potential day-one starter at point guard.
Leading the group is guard Jack Foxwell, a significant get for the Badgers. The 6-foot-2 prospect, who flipped his commitment from LSU, brings a rare combination of maturity and professional experience from New Zealand's NBL. Averaging 11.1 points and 4.5 assists last season, the 22-year-old Foxwell is projected to step into a starting role immediately, providing much-needed stability and playmaking.
Joining him is fellow New Zealand native Jaxon Ball, a 6-foot-4 guard who continues Gard's trend of finding international talent. Ball has already made a name for himself overseas, averaging 20.9 points per game with the Hawke's Bay Hawks and gaining valuable experience at the FIBA U-19 World Cup. His scoring prowess and existing chemistry with future teammate Hayden Jones make him a promising long-term investment for the backcourt.
Rounding out the class is in-state wing Noah Fenderson. The 6-foot-4 forward, ranked as the No. 2 player in Wisconsin by 247Sports, fills a pressing need on the wing. A commit since August 2024, Fenderson brings a strong all-around game, having averaged a double-double during his junior season. His arrival adds essential depth and homegrown talent to the Badgers' frontcourt rotation.
While the class may be small in number, it strategically targets specific positions of need with high-potential talent. Foxwell offers immediate experience, Ball brings high-ceiling international skill, and Fenderson provides reliable in-state depth. For a program in transition, this group represents a solid, focused step toward rebuilding a competitive roster in the tough Big Ten landscape.