Much of the attention surrounding Wisconsin after last season focused on the players who had left for other Division I programs, after AJ Storr transferred to Kansas and three-year starting point guard Chucky Hepburn headed to Louisville.

Wisconsin guard John Tonje smiles after being fouled during the second half of their game Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. / Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

John Blackwell and Max Klesmit combined for 27 points in the victory, walk-on guard Jack Janicki played a big role with nine points off the bench, transfer forward Xavier Amos finished with eight points with two three-pointers made and Kamari McGee continued to excel in his role off the bench.