It’s not an overreaction to say that Wisconsin basketball has one of the hardest 2023 non-conference schedules in the country.
The Badgers will see teams from the Big East, Big 12, SEC, and ACC, and Pac-12 as they put together an absolute gauntlet that takes them all over the country before Big Ten play gets started.
It’s a perfect test for a team with postseason expectations and beyond behind a revamped 2023-24 roster. The Badgers have a number of returners ready to lead the way including Connor Essegian and Chucky Hepburn, but also welcome in new talent headlined by St. John’s transfer AJ Storr.
Here is a look at a packed non-conference schedule:
November 1: Exhibition vs UW-Stevens Point
Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard looks on during the first half against the North Texas Mean Green at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
November 6: Home opener vs Arkansas State
Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) passes the ball against the North Texas Mean Green in the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
November 10: Home vs Tennessee
MADISON, WISCONSIN – MARCH 19: Connor Essegian #3 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after the Wisconsin Badgers defeat the Liberty Flames in the second round of the NIT Men’s Basketball Tournament at Kohl Center on March 19, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
November 14: at Providence
MADISON, WISCONSIN – MARCH 19: Steven Crowl #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores over Zach Cleveland #25 of the Liberty Flames during the first half in the second round of the NIT Men’s Basketball Tournament at Kohl Center on March 19, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
November 17: Home vs Robert Morris
Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) and North Texas Mean Green guard Kai Huntsberry (10) compete for a loose ball in the second half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
November 20: Fort Meyers Tip-Off vs. Virginia
Mar 5, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett calls out instructions during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC Yum! Center. Virginia defeated Louisville 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
November 22: Fort Meyers Tip-Off vs. SMU or West Virginia
Mar 8, 2023; New York, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm guard AJ Storr (2) shoots in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
November 27: Home vs Western Illinois
Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Tyler Wahl (5) dribbles past North Texas Mean Green guard Tylor Perry (5) during the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
December 2: Home vs Marquette
Dec 3, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Tyler Wahl (5) shoots over Marquette Golden Eagles guard Stevie Mitchell (4) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
December 9: at Arizona
Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) passes the ball against the North Texas Mean Green in the first half at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
December 14: Home vs. Jacksonville State
Jan 17, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard high fives fans following the Wisconsin Badgers 63-60 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
December 22: Home vs. Chicago State
Feb 22, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Connor Essegian (3) scores a three-point shot during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
Story originally appeared on Badgers Wire
