Where Do the Badgers Turn After Missing Out on Donovan Davis?

It's still very early in the cycle, but Gard and the Wisconsin basketball team are still searching for the first member of their 2027 class after one of their top targets, Donovan Davis, committed to Iowa State on Wednesday night over the Badgers.

Luckily for the Badgers, there is no shortage of talent available in the state of Wisconsin in the 2027 class. Even with the top two players in the state committed elsewhere, there are still five other players who appear in the 247Sports top 200 prospects.

And let's not forget Minnesota, where Gard has done exceptionally well recruiting in the past with his Lakeville North pipeline. It also helps to have Minnesota native Brad Davison on the coaching staff.

So even though Wisconsin missed on Davis, there are still plenty of talent left on the board.

Remaining Targets for the Badgers

Jack Kohnen

Class: 2027
Position: Forward
High School: Slinger High School (Slinger, WI)
Height/Weight: 6-6, 215 lbs
247Sports Ranking: 4-star - No. 78 nationally, No. 4 in Wisconsin
Notable Offers: Wisconsin, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, and Notre Dame

Kohnen is a versatile "point-forward" with a high-motor playing style. He is coming off a historic junior season where he was named the North Shore Conference Player of the Year. He led Slinger to its first state tournament appearance in 49 years in March 2026, consistently delivering an efficient stat line of 20.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

On the summer circuit, he is a member of the loaded Team Herro team on the EYBL circuit, where his ability to push the pace in transition and high-point rebounds makes him one of the most complete wings in the Midwest.

The Badgers seemingly have an uphill battle ahead of them, however, after Kohnen left the Badgers out of his top three schools right now.

Jalen Brown

Class: 2027
Position: Guard
High School: Wauwatosa West (Wauwatosa, WI)
Height/Weight: 6-4, 180 lbs
247Sports Ranking: 4-star - No. 63 nationally, No. 3 in Wisconsin
Notable Offers: Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Cal

A dynamic and explosive combo guard, Brown is widely considered one of the purest three-level scorers in the Midwest. Fresh off a standout junior season, he was named the 2026 Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors after averaging an impressive 20.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.

A proven winner who helped lead Wauwatosa West to a Division 2 State Championship in 2025, Brown is as comfortable facilitating in the pick-and-roll as he is hunting his own shot in transition. His blend of elite length for a guard and a high basketball IQ allows him to put up big numbers nightly, making him a versatile two-way threat who can defend multiple positions effectively.

Kager Knueppel

Class: 2027
Position: Forward
High School: Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Milwaukee, WI)
Height/Weight: 6-9, 205 lbs
247Sports Ranking: 3-star - No. 122 nationally, No. 5 in Wisconsin
Notable Offers: Wisconsin, Duke, Purdue, and Arkansas

The younger brother of former Duke star and NBA lottery pick Kon Knueppel, Kager is a high-level stretch forward who boasts the textbook shooting mechanics and basketball IQ synonymous with his family name.

Kager serves as a foundational piece for the Wisconsin Lutheran powerhouse and Team Herro (EYBL). While he provides an elite perimeter presence for his size, his rapidly developing frame and 7-foot wingspan also make him a disruptive defensive anchor in the paint. As one of the most sought-after shooters in the Midwest, Knueppel’s combination of championship pedigree and modern skill set makes him a priority target for every major program in the region.

Baboucarr Ann

NEW: Maple Grove (MN) PG Baboucarr Ann broke the school’s single-game scoring record🔥

Maple Grove won 93-75 over Eden Prairie (MN).

Read: https://t.co/P1jbAqUoXp pic.twitter.com/YWSRsOSOR5
— Rivals High School (@RivalsHS) January 29, 2026

Class: 2027
Position: Forward
High School: Maple Grove High School (Maple Grove, MN)
Height/Weight: 6-5, 180 lbs
247Sports Ranking: 4-star - No. 62 nationally, No. 2 in Minnesota
Notable Offers: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa State, Arizona State, and Notre Dame

A versatile, three-level scorer with elite defensive skill, Ann is widely regarded as one of the most high-upside prospects in the 2027 class. He solidified his status as a cornerstone for Maple Grove during a historic junior campaign and shattered the school’s single-game scoring record with a 47-point performance, previously held by current Wisconsin assistant coach Brad Davison, who scored 43 in 2017. Ann has proven to be a nightmare for defenders in transition and a reliable threat from the perimeter.

A cornerstone for D1 Minnesota on the summer circuit, Ann’s blend of explosive athleticism and high basketball IQ makes him a premier two-way wing capable of guarding multiple positions. His ability to facilitate for others while hunting his own shot has made him a priority target for the Badgers, Gophers, and Cyclones alike.

Deuce McDuffie

Class: 2027
Position: Forward
High School: Nicolet High School (Milwaukee, WI)
Height/Weight: 6-6, 205 lbs
Notable Offers: UCF and Toledo

A high-flying Badger legacy and the son of former Wisconsin player Otto McDuffie, this versatile playmaker is one of the most explosive transition threats in the Midwest. He reached the 1,000-point career milestone during a dominant junior campaign that solidified his status as a premier two-way wing.

Known for his elite athleticism and ability to finish above the rim, he has evolved into a point-forward for Team Herro (EYBL), showcasing improved shot-creation and a smooth mid-range jumper. His national profile continues to rise as he adds high-major interest from programs like West Virginia, TCU, and Kentucky, proving to be a high-upside cornerstone with a Big Ten-ready pedigree.

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