Wisconsin Basketball to Host Promising Frontcourt Transfer on Visit

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 4/12/24

Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard is preparing to host one of the team’s top frontcourt targets from the transfer portal on a visit.

A source close to the situation has shared that the Badgers will welcome Stanford transfer Brandon Angel on a recruiting visit this weekend.

Coach Gard and the Wisconsin basketball staff offered Angel when he was a four-star recruit in the 2020 class and even hosted him on an official visit before landing Ben Carlson.

Both parties were reportedly close, and their previous relationship was pivotal in making this visit happen despite all the schools involved.

Angel experienced plenty of success during his four seasons with the Stanford Cardinals. The California native appeared in 112 career games and averaged 8.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting 38% from beyond the arc.

Nevertheless, the 6-foot-8 forward is coming off his best season yet, where he averaged 13.0 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists a night while connecting on an impressive 44.7% from 3.

Wisconsin basketball coaches are well aware of the need to bolster its frontcourt depth, especially after Tyler Wahl’s departure and Gus Yalden’s transfer. Returning options such as Carter Gilmore and Markus Ilver haven’t shown enough to be counted on as more than depth pieces.

While it’s true that bringing in a stretch four like Angel would be an ideal fit for the Badgers offense, and he could seamlessly slide into the starting lineup, the competition for his services will be intense — and is far from a layup.

The Badgers are also in the mix for Omaha wing Frankie Fidler in the transfer portal. Fidler is expected to announce his decision on his next destination this coming Monday. If things align favorably, having both Fidler and Angel on board would be the ideal 1-2 punch for Wisconsin.

With AJ Storr unlikely to return, it’s become evident that Wisconsin basketball aims to replace his production in the aggregate by bringing in some experienced transfers that could make the team more well-rounded.

Angel’s recruitment is one to watch, but some major programs are also in the mix. UCLA, Duke, and Louisville are reportedly involved. Nonetheless, securing a visit is significant; it suggests legitimate mutual interest between Angel and the Wisconsin basketball program — and all you can ask for is a puncher’s chance.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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