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LaTrevison Fenderson: A Seamless Fit for Wisconsin's Badger Basketball Style

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. fit-for-wisconsin-s-badger-basketball-style.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:26 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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LaTrevison Fenderson: A Seamless Fit for Wisconsin’s Badger Basketball Style

When it comes to recruiting a guard who can thrive in the Badger system, the University of Wisconsin’s head coach Greg Gard has a clear idea of what he needs: a player who is versatile, disciplined, and capable of both creating his own shot and creating opportunities for teammates. In the fall of 2023, the Badgers landed that ideal guard in LaTrevison Fenderson, an in‑state standout from Milwaukee who has been hailed as “a perfect fit for the Wisconsin Badgers style.” The Sports Illustrated article published on September 12, 2023 (see link) chronicles the journey that brought Fenderson to Madison, explains why he fits the Badger mold, and provides a snapshot of what his arrival means for the program.

1. Early Life and High‑School Brilliance

Fenderson was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended North 66th High School, a program that has produced a handful of Division I players over the last decade. As a senior, the 6‑ft‑4‑inch guard averaged 19.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, shooting an impressive 41 % from three‑point range. He led the Panthers to a 28‑4 record and a berth in the state playoffs, earning all‑state honors and the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year award. The article highlights that Fenderson’s stat line is not just about numbers; it reflects a player who can shoot, drive, and pass—all within a balanced offensive framework.

“He’s got the ability to shoot from deep, but he also has that knack for getting to the rim and finishing at the basket,” noted former North 66th head coach Darren Sullivan (link to coach’s profile). “And defensively, he’s a constant threat to make steals and switch on screens.”

2. The Badger System: Why Fenderson Is the Missing Piece

Wisconsin’s basketball identity has long centered on disciplined execution, high‑volume ball‑movement, and an emphasis on perimeter shooting. Greg Gard’s Badgers consistently rank in the top tier for team three‑point attempts and assist-to-turnover ratios. The article explains that Fenderson’s skill set aligns perfectly with this philosophy:

The piece quotes Gard, who says, “We’re looking for a player who can create his own shot while also opening up space for teammates. LaTrevison does both in the high‑school system we saw him play, and that translates to our system.” Gard also notes that the Badgers value “a player who respects the flow of the game and can make the most of our offensive sets”—qualities that Fenderson displayed in every high‑school game.

3. Recruiting Journey and Decision Process

Fenderson was heavily recruited by a range of Big Ten programs, but the article underscores the personal factors that guided his choice:

• Proximity to family – staying in-state meant he could remain close to his parents and younger siblings, which mattered when balancing academics and athletics.
• Academic fit – the Badgers’ College of Letters & Science offers the STEM‑focused major he has expressed interest in.
• Program culture – Gard’s emphasis on “team first” and the existing guard depth (including future NBA prospect Isaiah Stevens) gave Fenderson a sense of belonging.

The piece also follows links to a few press releases from Wisconsin’s athletic department that detail Fenderson’s commitment ceremony. It highlights a moment when Fenderson was officially presented with the Badger jersey—an emotional moment that signified the culmination of years of hard work.

4. Expectations Going Forward

While the article cautions against expecting a rookie to make an immediate splash in the Big Ten, it does outline a clear developmental trajectory:

1. Redshirt Year – Fenderson will redshirt his freshman season, allowing him to acclimate to the faster pace of college basketball while building strength and conditioning.
2. Bench Rotation – In his second year, he is projected to see meaningful minutes off the bench, especially in pick‑and‑roll scenarios where his ability to finish inside the paint will be invaluable.
3. Leadership Role – With senior guard DeVante Miller expected to graduate, Fenderson’s leadership potential will become crucial, particularly in maintaining the Badger’s disciplined approach during high‑pressure games.

Gard also hints that the coaching staff sees Fenderson as a potential three‑time starter over his college career, provided he continues to develop his defensive consistency and shot selection.

5. Comparative Insight: How Fenderson Matches Up to Past Badger Guards

The article draws comparisons with past Badger guards such as Derrick Wahlberg and Shannon Smith. It notes that, like those players, Fenderson combines speed, perimeter shooting, and a high basketball IQ. The piece uses a side‑by‑side stat comparison (link to a Badger analytics page) to show that Fenderson’s high school three‑point percentage sits comfortably within the upper 30 % of the program’s guard cohort over the past five years.

6. Community Impact and Off‑Court Activities

Beyond the court, Fenderson is portrayed as an engaged community member. The article quotes him saying, “I want to give back to the kids in Milwaukee who inspire me.” He plans to launch a free basketball clinic during the summer, a project highlighted in a link to the Badgers’ community outreach portal. This initiative aligns with the university’s broader commitment to social responsibility.

Bottom Line

LaTrevison Fenderson’s arrival at Wisconsin is more than a mere addition to the roster; it is a strategic alignment between a player’s skill set and a program’s identity. The article meticulously charts his high‑school dominance, the cultural and stylistic fit with the Badger system, and the expectations that come with his commitment. By combining on‑court versatility, disciplined execution, and a community‑focused mindset, Fenderson embodies the “perfect fit” that Greg Gard and the Badger basketball community have been searching for. As the 2024‑25 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this in‑state guard translates his high‑school excellence into collegiate impact—and whether he can help the Badgers once again rise to the top of the Big Ten.