Wahl hopes physical growth leads to a growth spurt in his game
MADISON – Tyler Wahl’s freshman season at Wisconsin last year conjured memories of Nate Reuvers’ initial season in the Big Ten.
“It’s tough being a freshman in the Big Ten,” Reuvers, preparing for his senior season at UW, said this week during a Zoom call.
Wahl came to UW with 205 pounds on his 6-foot-61⁄2 frame. He provided energy, tenacity, defense, rebounding and occasional scoring.
But like Reuvers in 2017-18, Wahl lacked the bulk and strength to bang night in and night out with players who were older, bigger and stronger.
“He learned, and sometimes it was learning the hard way what it takes physically to hold your own and eventually be the guy pushing and shoving and winning those battles in the Big Ten,” UW assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft said.
“I think he took those lessons he learned on the court home with him.”
Wahl returned to UW for his sophomore year 15 pounds heavier and an inch taller.
Did Reuvers, who went from a 215pound freshman to a 240-pound sophomore, have a hand in Wahl’s growth?
“I think he has shared with Tyler where to get a great steak and mashed potatoes and put on a little bit of weight,” Krabbenoft joked. “In the right way hopefully.”
Wahl became an integral part in UW’s rotation last season and contributed 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game despite lacking strength.
“I got pushed around a lot last year,” he said.
The added weight came last spring after all team activities were shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. With no gyms open at home in
Minnesota, Wahl focused on eating and lifting.
The changes were noticeable when he returned to campus with his teammates.
“It’s been great to see,” Krabbenhoft said. “I think it’s really helped him so far. We’re still here in October. Maintaining that weight and strength throughout the season, through the rigors of a tough schedule is going to be the challenge.
“But we’re very pleased with the work he put in in the off-season. He clearly dedicated himself to his body and that is already paying off. He is already able to throw a bigger punch when he’s out there.”
Although Wahl worked on improving his overall game, he realized shooting had to be a priority. Wahl shot just 23.1% from three-point range (6 of 26) and 41.2% from the free-throw line (7 of 17) in his first season.
“His shot is improved,” senior forward Micah Potter said. “In all the shooting drills he has looked really good. You can tell he really worked on that in the off-season.”
The secret?
“It’s just getting reps in and getting more comfortable and confident,” Wahl said.
His body grew in the off-season. The hope is that translates to growth in his game this season.
“I think when you become more comfortable with those parts of your game it allows everything to kind of flourish,” Krabbenhoft said of Wahl’s shooting. “I use the word comfortable a lot with him. He appears a lot more comfortable offensively.
“But the important thing for Tyler is that he continues to hang his hat on the defensive end because he is fun to watch. ”