Taylor leads Badgers, supporting cast must develop

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s shot at the Big Ten title and another NCAA tournament run is anchored by senior guard Jordan Taylor, who is expected to be one of the best players in the country this season.

Taylor’s supporting cast is promising but largely lacks experience. How the Badgers’ young players develop will go a long way toward determining whether they live up to high expectations.

Jon Leuer is gone, leaving Taylor as the team’s unquestioned leader. Coach Bo Ryan expects Taylor to take over, but not necessarily by scoring more. Taylor averaged 18.1 points per game last season, but his NCAA-best 3.83 assist-to-turnover ratio might be his most impressive asset.

Wisconsin opens the regular season Nov. 12 at home against Kennesaw State.