Why forward Austin Rapp may key Wisconsin Badgers' offense in 2026-27

Austin Rapp did not just return to Wisconsin; he came back as one of the clearest answers to what the Badgers’ offense can lean on next season. The forward announced his return, and the timing matters. Rapp’s first year in the system included the usual bumps, such as a rough early stretch that muted his productivity. By the end, his overall offensive profile resembled a player ready to make a significant jump.

Rapp ranked in the 85th percentile nationally in points per possession, averaging 1.066 PPP, according to Synergy. That efficiency is not empty. Wisconsin discovered something it can build around in the half-court, where Big Ten games often bog down. Rapp excelled on post-ups at 1.563 PPP, a number that ranks among the best in the country and suggests a go-to option the Badgers did not consistently feature.

The finish backed it up. In Wisconsin’s final two games, Rapp scored 18 points against Michigan and followed with 12 against High Point. For a player who started slowly, that late surge mattered because it matched the underlying data. When he got to his spots, he produced at a rate few defenders could handle. If Wisconsin wants more reliable offense next winter, the simplest path may be to run more through a forward who has already proven he can score efficiently on possessions that typically turn into tough, late-clock jumpers.

Rapp also contributed defensively. Across all possessions, Rapp allowed 0.84 PPP, which ranked in the 67th percentile nationally. That kind of two-way baseline transforms a “nice role player” into an “every-night problem” once experience catches up.

The second year in Greg Gard’s system typically sharpens Wisconsin players' reads, and a now-Big Ten-tested Rapp looks poised to be more than a complementary piece. The next thing to watch is whether Wisconsin makes his post game a featured option and how that impacts the Badgers’ offensive ceiling.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball forward Austin Rapp return lineup analysis