UW’s Ford, Wahl form complementary tandem
MADISON – Not only do Aleem Ford and Tyler Wahl find themselves at different stages of their development on the basketball court, they also rely on different tools to help Wisconsin win games.
Ford, a redshirt junior who has started all 26 games this season and has played in 90 overall, first made his mark as a player capable of stressing defenses because of his ability to score from three-point range.
He has expanded his offensive arsenal this season, however, by adding a sold post-up game. He has also become more aggressive overall on both ends of the court, a skill that doesn’t match his laid-back persona.
Wahl, a rangy freshman who in high school was asked to shadow point guards, forwards and centers, is wired to burn white hot from start to finish. He has shown the ability to post up veteran defenders and in a handful of games has put up solid numbers in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.
Unlike Ford, however, Wahl isn’t a threat to score from the perimeter and opponents know it.
Together, they have helped UW (1610, 9-6 Big Ten) make a move up the Big Ten standings with four victories in the last five games. One of the other, or both, could play a key role when the Badgers host Rutgers (18-9, 9-7) at noon Sunday on BTN.
“They complement each other really well,” UW assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft said. “They understand that and I think our team understands that.
“When Aleem is on the floor you watch that defense spread out a little bit more. They are switching a lot more stuff. Aleem can do some things and he is a good passer.
“Then when Tyler comes in he likes to get it with his back to the basket and make plays. It changes the dynamic of our team a little bit.”
In his first two seasons, Ford averaged 4.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. He enters the rematch with Rutgers at 8.3 points and 4.1 rebounds.
During UW’s 4-1 run, Ford is averaging is averaging 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He has made 50% of his three-point attempts (12 of 24) and 51.3% of his shots overall (20 of 39).
“I’m just trying to have an aggressive mindset of getting down there or just being around,” he said. “If you go, that is when you end up in the right spot more often than not. I’m just trying to put myself in those spots.”
Wahl’s numbers are more modest. He is averaging 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Perhaps Wahl’s biggest contribution this season has been making key plays in games during which Ford struggled.
Ford and Wahl are tied for the team lead in offensive rebounds with 32.
“I think they both have the potential to do the same things,” senior guard Brevin Pritzl said. “But right now Aleem is a better shooter. … We are going to need them both.
“Everybody goes through hot and cold streaks throughout the season. They are very interchangeable, which is great. You can go with whoever is hot.”
In the last five games, Ford has recorded 13 points and four rebounds in a victory over Michigan State; 11 points and four rebounds in a loss at Minnesota, 10 points and a college-high nine rebounds in a victory over Ohio State; three points, a new college-high 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal in a victory over Nebraska; and a collegehigh 19 points and seven rebounds in a victory over Purdue.
“I think this is just Aleem hitting his stride,” Krabbenoft said.
"It is amazing how much confidence can do for a player. And Aleem is really confident right now."