The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball program has landed a major recruit in Austin Rapp, a breakout star from the Portland Pilots who is expected to make an immediate impact for the 2025–26 season. Standing at 6-foot-10, Rapp is a versatile forward with a modern skillset—capable of playing inside but equally dangerous from the perimeter, having shot 35.2% from three-point range last season.
A Sought-After Talent
Rapp attracted national attention after an impressive 2024 campaign where he averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. His well-rounded stat line made him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal. Wisconsin had to out-recruit powerhouse programs like Michigan, Iowa, Clemson, and Oregon to secure his commitment.
This addition is particularly timely for the Badgers, as they needed to fill the void left by graduating big man Steven Crowl. Rapp’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a perfect fit for Greg Gard’s system. His recruitment was targeted and intentional, with a clear focus on mutual compatibility between the player and the program.
“We have a lot of mutual connections with Austin and all of our conversations centered on how well he fits Wisconsin and how well Wisconsin fits him,” said Head Coach Greg Gard.
The Fit: A Seamless Transition
Greg Gard and his coaching staff emphasized Rapp’s plug-and-play potential. His game aligns closely with Wisconsin’s recent philosophy—big men who can space the floor, pass well, and remain active defensively. The Badgers are known for valuing smart, disciplined players who can adapt quickly, and Rapp’s experience and high basketball IQ position him to slide into a starting role with ease.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Wisconsin also prioritized cultural fit, something increasingly important in today’s transfer-heavy college landscape. Rapp, an Australian native, becomes the second player from Oceania to commit to the Badgers this offseason, joining Jackson Ball, a promising recruit from New Zealand who is expected to arrive in 2026.
A Player Who Remembers Wisconsin’s Glory Days
Rapp’s connection to Wisconsin isn’t just strategic—it’s also deeply personal. He grew up watching college basketball and recalls with clarity the Badgers’ 2015 Final Four run, particularly their historic win over the previously undefeated Kentucky Wildcats in the national semifinal. That team, led by Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker, left a lasting impression on young fans like Rapp.
“I’ve grown up watching basketball and remember watching the Frank Kaminsky Final Four team at Wisconsin,” Rapp told Benjamin Worgull of Badgers Blitz. “I’ve always dreamed about playing for a successful and winning program, and there couldn’t get one better than Wisconsin.”
That blend of nostalgia and ambition adds an extra layer of excitement to his arrival in Madison.
What He Brings to the Badgers
Rapp’s game is tailor-made for modern college basketball. He has the size to rebound and contest shots inside, but he also possesses the mobility and touch to be effective outside the paint. His three-point shooting is a major asset, and his passing vision adds a dimension that will complement Wisconsin’s methodical offensive schemes.
Some of his most notable attributes include:
- Perimeter shooting: At 35.2% from three, Rapp forces defenders to stretch out, opening lanes for guards to drive or for him to attack closeouts.
- Interior defense: His 1.5 blocks per game suggest strong timing and awareness near the rim.
- Playmaking: His 2.5 assists per game for a forward showcase his ability to facilitate from the high post or in transition.
With Crowl gone and a developing frontcourt, Rapp is expected to be both a statistical contributor and a veteran presence—despite only recently transferring from a mid-major program.
The Bigger Picture: Wisconsin Reloads
Wisconsin’s staff has clearly been strategic this offseason, mixing international scouting with portal activity to fill key roles. The arrival of Jackson Ball in 2026 shows their long-term commitment to building a pipeline in the Oceania region. But Rapp’s signing is more urgent—it addresses immediate needs and raises expectations for a Badgers team looking to return to national prominence.
Fans who remember the glory of the Kaminsky-Dekker era are likely to find echoes of that stretch in this current roster—smart, tough players who thrive in a system and bring unique skills to the floor.
Final Thoughts
Austin Rapp may have started his collegiate career on the West Coast, but everything about his game and mindset seems to align perfectly with Big Ten basketball and Wisconsin’s program values. He brings scoring, spacing, defensive ability, and a clear reverence for the program’s legacy. With his addition, Wisconsin not only fills a roster gap—they bring in someone who wants to be a Badger, and that makes all the difference.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Rapp’s game translates to the Big Ten. Based on his résumé and attitude, he looks more than ready for the challenge.
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