Jon Leuer's Return Bodes Well for Wisconsin Badgers Basketball

In what may be the biggest news for Wisconsin basketball all year long, forward Jon Leuer has been cleared to return to the court.

The 6'10" Orono, Minn., native has not been on the court for practice or a game since Jan. 9 against Purdue. Leuer injured his wrist early in that game and had surgery on Jan. 12.

His return date has been closely guarded by the Badgers, and with the news that he is available for Thursday's game against Minnesota, one can only wonder if he is game- ready.

When posed that very question by members of the media after practice Monday, Leuer responded: "I feel like I'm game-ready right now. I've been able to work out and run and condition, so I feel like I'm in really good shape.

"Right now, I'm just taking it day by day and seeing if there is any pain and how much I can tolerate. Today went well, so we're just looking at tomorrow right now."

Leuer's return could not have come at a better time for the Badgers, who are still in the race for the Big Ten regular season title and are looking for a strong showing come March Madness.

No team wants to look up on Selection Sunday and see Wisconsin in its bracket: just ask Duke, Purdue, Michigan State, Maryland, Arizona, and Ohio State.

When asked about Leuer's return to the starting lineup, Head Coach Bo Ryan responded: "I'll have to see him on the floor. It'll be tryouts again when he gets back to practice. If he comes back to practice, he's going to have to try to get back into the lineup, I would think."

In Leuer's absence, the Badgers compiled a 6-3 record. They are ranked 14th in the AP poll and 16th in the coaches poll.

Without Leuer, the Badgers have proven to be a solid team, and in his absence, many young players—such as Rob Wilson, Mike Bruesewitz, and Ryan Evans—were given their chance to improve.

With Leuer, the Badgers have a shot at a No. 2 or 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament—and the very real possibility of a run to the Final Four.