Brad Davison always has loved playing in front of people, and, after a season without doing so, the senior guard for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team is even more grateful for it.
He’s the first one to gesture to the crowd to get on their feet, whether at home or away.
Davison hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half against Georgia Tech on Wednesday, with the second giving UW its largest lead of the game. The Badgers fans in Atlanta were the loudest they had been all night as Davison headed back to play defense.
“That’s the best part of being Wisconsin Badgers, we travel really well,” Davison said. “Even when we have road games, there’s people there supporting us, people there rooting us on and that’s what it’s all about.”
The Badgers returned to the Kohl Center on Saturday for their first sold out game since the 2019-20 season. Davison wasn’t the only one hyping up the crowd during No. 23 UW’s 89-76 win against Marquette.
People are also reading…
Sophomore guard Johnny Davis walked off the court for his final substitution with a smile on his face as the crowd roared to life. Once the team built a substantial lead, fans started calling for coach Greg Gard to put in the walk-ons.
The student section specifically called out junior guard Carter Higginbottom’s name, but when sophmore guard Justin Taphorn went in first they were just as loud.
“I know (the fans) don’t score any points or rebound, but going through last year without anybody … they appreciate that,” Gard said of his players. “The crowd only gets loud when we play well. It’s not really the reverse, we have to play well for the crowd. They should enjoy watching this team play because this team’s been fun to coach and very unselfish, very together.”
UW’s freshmen and sophomores never had experienced a normal atmosphere at home or away because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some venues had limited capacity last season and some fans were allowed to attend the NCAA tournament at neutral sites.
Gard has said the players have had some nerves in games this season and again made the point after UW’s 70-66 win against the Yellow Jackets last week.
“I thought we were a little a little shaky early,” Gard said. “I thought that was evident at the free throw line. I thought we were a little nervous early, which is to be expected. That’s part of having this younger group grow up as they get these experiences.”
Three of the starting five are among the group who are experiencing sold out games for the first time at the collegiate level. Davis, freshman guard Chucky Hepburn and sophomore forward Steven Crowl are used to cardboard cutouts, not screaming fans.
The three didn’t hesitate in either game — even though Crowl faced “Steve, you suck,” chants from the Georgia Tech crowd. Davis produced 40 points, Hepburn had 22 and Crowl scored 20 in the games vs. Georgia Tech and Marquette.
Davison said he was impressed with how his young teammates handled a “hostile” opposing crowd.
“Their ability to tune it out and just control what they can control,” Davison said. “The crowd might get louder, you might not be in a majority red crowd, but the game doesn’t change. I was really proud of the way that we controlled, our communication was great, and I’m also excited because they feed off the crowd a little bit, and it’s fun to be around.”
Badgers fans on Twitter revel in Wisconsin's victory over in-state rival Marquette
A perfect fit
This is wild. Never saw this type of season coming for UW. Davis is an elite talent. And when he plays, everyone else seems to fit a role. Davison slides into that complimentary role. Got bigs. Got ball handlers. Depth. Size, etc. Getting more and more excited about this team
— DRich (@drich318318) December 4, 2021
Life's tough choices
Unbelievable second half after entertaining first half. But it does raise the questions -- what do expectant parents with #Badgers loyalties do? Name their sons Davis or Davison?!
— Rob Hernandez (@RobHernandezGLF) December 4, 2021
Looking up to the task
The Big10 will be a challenge but I like what I see with this team so far. If they can play D like they have and hit outside shots they will surprise a lot of people. Davis is going to be a pro, Davison provides leadership and some scoring, and Chucky plays like a senior.
— John Husmoe (@JohnHusmoe) December 4, 2021
Working as one
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Will be interesting to see whether Gard goes as deep on his bench when B1G schedule begins.
— Bob Bradovich (@BobBradovich) December 4, 2021
Letting loose
Two reactions: 1) Wow!! 2) props to Gard for taking the leash off Davis. His ability to create opens up everything
— Rob (@finleyr27) December 4, 2021
Glass nearly full
They won with offense. Impressive. Davis was unstoppable. Chucky makes me remember Jordan Taylor.
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) December 4, 2021
Won’t usually shoot like that, but they’ve shown they can win with defense as well. Much further along than expected, even for this optimist.
Delivering a knockout blow
I didn’t expect Wisconsin to smoke Marquette the way Badgers did in second half. Led by Davis, this team has more offensive punch than we’re used to seeing here in Madison.
— Joseph Britt (@Zathras3) December 4, 2021
Bring on the B1G Ten
Wisconsin has shown they’re now ready for Big Ten play next Wednesday against Indiana. Johnny Davis and Brad Davison are the true leaders of this young team picked 10th in the conference. This is the best Badger team I’ve seen in several years. Excellent coaching by Greg Gard!
— Jeff Ostach (@jeff_ostach) December 4, 2021
Ahead of the curve
Liking what is happening with this group. With a few more pounds from the weight room Crowl is going to be the guy to watch. He’s a lot better than we imagined. There will be bumps in the road but these guys seem to know where they are going. Kudos to Greg Gard.
— Dan Kurek (@danielwkurek) December 4, 2021
Outta this world
Not even the Hubble telescope could find anything as smooth as Johnny Davis with the ball in his hands....
— Craig Smith (@smithcp1) December 4, 2021
Cool under pressure
Team plays with great pace and poise. Guards continue to grow while care of the ball. Frontline still lacks, but they are riding spurts from Davis to extend leads. Impressive start to the year.
— Jack Pine Express (@kwzanella) December 4, 2021
Playing with poise
This team is athletic but has done a great job of not playing out of control. Can't wait for Big Ten play. Also holy smokes Johnny
— Laura (@DieselAndMe) December 4, 2021
And the list goes on
4 players with 15+ points is awesome
— chuckwestover (@chuckwestover) December 4, 2021
JD is a star and he’s still getting better every game
This may have been Hepburn and Crowl’s best games yet
Great all around effort today and a tough one for the #FireGard crowd
Bring on the Big Ten!
By leaps and bounds
I can't believe the poise Chucky has, he's just solid and in control. Davis is better each game. Fun fun team thus far and great to watch them grow each game.
— Jeremy Wojtecki (@jwojPAC) December 4, 2021
What's not to like
How impressed were we that Wahl could run two-man bringing up the ball in full court press?
— Trevor Donahue (@trev_diesel) December 4, 2021
False advertising
I was told Wisconsin is slow and doesn’t play actual offense. I want a refund! /s
— Joe M. (@J_Michaels25) December 4, 2021
Bursting their bubble
Thoroughly enjoyed giving Marquette some hope and then crushing that hope in spectacular fashion.
— Matt Anderson (@mbanderson83) December 4, 2021
This checks out
With Davis out there, VERY good.
— Matt Anderson (@mbanderson83) December 4, 2021
Poetry in motion
Davis is a smooth player. I don't know how to describe him better than smooth.
— Brian Hipp (@Brianhipp) December 4, 2021
Night and day
Crazy how together this new group of guys feels after how ugly things ended with last year’s senior class
— Matt Hoffman (@mattyjimbob) December 4, 2021
View from the outside
As a Hawkeye fan I think you guys look outstanding right now. Another quality win.
— Eric Heinemann (@_heiney) December 4, 2021
Jumping out of the gym
Davis most athletic guy in building, Hepburn is an amazing defender. Great to beat MU!
— Brian Clifford (@brcliffo) December 4, 2021
Fun on full display
This team is so fun to watch…because you can tell that they are having fun!
— Susan Balsai (@sesbadger) December 4, 2021
Real deal D
Their Defense is for real. Only going to keep getting better.
— Jake Nelson (@Jake_Nelson10) December 4, 2021
Well-rounded attack
We knew Johnny Davis was a star, Wahl a great defender and capable post scorer, and Brad was a great leader who could step up when needed. What we saw in this was how good we can be when Chucky and Crowl play up to their potential.
— Alan Haffa (@HaffaAlan) December 4, 2021
Photos: Wisconsin Badgers cruise past Marquette Golden Eagles in battle of I-94 rivals
Marquette's Tyler Kolek (22) drives against Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis.
Marquette's Darryl Morsell (32) shoots against Wisconsin's Steven Crowl (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Marquette's Tyler Kolek, right, loses an offensive rebound against Wisconsin's Steven Crowl (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Marquette's Oso Ighodaro, top, and Wisconsin's Jahcobi Neath (0) battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Marquette's Oso Ighodaro (13) blocks Wisconsin's Steven Crowl (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Marquette's Greg Elliott (5) shoots against Wisconsin's Steven Crowl (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Wisconsin's Johnny Davis (1) shoots against Marquette's Tyler Kolek (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Wisconsin's Johnny Davis (1) drives against Marquette's Justin Lewis (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison.
Wisconsin's Johnny Davis (1) drives between Marquette's Oso Ighodaro (13) and Darryl Morsell during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Davis had a game-high 25 points in Wisconsin's 89-76 win.
Marquette head coach Shaka Smart directs his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin's Johnny Davis (1) shoots over Marquette's Stevie Mitchell, left, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Davis had a game-high 25 points in Wisconsin's 89-76 win.
Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) reaches in on Marquette's Tyler Kolek (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Marquette's Tyler Kolek, center, shoots against Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) and Steven Crowl during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn, right, congratulates Brad Davison during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Marquette, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin's Brad Davison, center, battles against Marquette's Emarion Ellis (2) and Darryl Morsell during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Marquette's Stevie Mitchell, left, and Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) go after a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) and Marquette's Kam Jones (1) battle for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Marquette's Stevie Mitchell (4) shoots over Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn (23) shoots over Marquette's Kam Jones (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard talks to his team during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Marquette, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 89-76.
Davison
