College Basketball Recruiting: A Look at the Future of the Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is sitting at 18-6 and is third in the Big Ten Conference. There has, however, been rumblings that this may be Bo Ryan's best coaching job when you consider the amount of inexperienced bodies that he is breaking in.

Within the realm of recruiting, Ryan has also been impressive. Wisconsin's future recruiting classes of 2012 and 2013 look bright. While there are still remaining scholarships to be used over the next couple of seasons, Ryan has lured in two in-state recruits that happen to be among the elite in their respected classes.

The two products I am alluding to happen to be Sam Dekker (Sheboygan, Wis.) and Bronson Koening (La Crosse, Wis.)

Let's take a look at the two future Badgers.

Sam Dekker, SF, 6'8", 215 pounds (Class of 2012)
 

Rivals: 5-star
Scout:  4-star
ESPN: 4-star

Almost immediately after getting a scholarship offer from Bo Ryan in 2010, Sam Dekker committed to the Badgers. Heading into the summer of 2011, Dekker was widely unknown across the country. Fast forward to the end of that summer, and Dekker's name skyrocketed as he became one of the hottest prospects.

Dekker fits the mold of a Ryan player. He has an incredible work ethic and the ability to score inside-and-out.

While Dekker does not have explosive speed in the open court, he is about as good of a finisher as one can ask for.

Simply put, Badger fans will be happy with Dekker. He is a player that does not make many mistakes and has the ability to become a very good wing in the Big Ten.

Bronson Koenig, PG/SG, 6'2", 175 pounds (Class of 2013)
 

Rivals: 4-star
Scout: 4-star
ESPN: 4-star

In the summer of 2010, Wisconsin offered the La Crosse product. A little over six months later in the winter of 2011, Roy Williams and the Tar Heels came running and offered Koenig. At this juncture, Koenig was just a sophomore enduring a lot of recruiting and media attention out in western Wisconsin.

In June of 2011, Koenig went to the CP3 Elite Point Guard Camp, where ESPN gave him the title as one of the best shooters at the camp.

Later that July, after an AAU Tournament in Las Vegas, Mike Krzyzewski called Koenig and offered.

Two months passed, and Koenig had offers from Wisconsin, North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, Marquette and Virginia. He made a surprising commitment to the Badgers.

Koenig's high school coach, Rick Schneider, said, "Coach Ryan and (associate head coach Greg) Gard followed him all over the place watching him play. I think the month of July was really the statement for Wisconsin."

Wisconsin players are known for their development over the course of four years. Badgers fans will certainly be excited when the 6'2" sharpshooter steps foot in Madison.

All in all, you can't help but be excited for the future of Wisconsin Badgers basketball. Sam Dekker and Bronson Koenig certainly have the ability to help propel Wisconsin to the next level.