The UW-Whitewater men’s basketball program enters the 2025-26 season with a renewed sense of purpose after a challenging 2024-25 campaign that ended with an 11-15 record. The finish clearly didn’t reflect the aspirations of the program, and now with another year under their belts and many returning players, the Warhawks are positioning themselves for a leap forward.
Head coach Jarod Wichser is beginning his third season leading the program. Despite losing some key contributors from last year, he is excited for the season and confident in the group that’s been built.
“We have an unbelievable group of not only talented basketball players, but great young men,” Wichser said. “It has been pretty easy for this group to gel, work, and challenge each other… I also think we are much longer and more athletic than we were last year.”
Among the players drawing high praise from Wichser is the backcourt duo of senior Luke Bara and junior Collin Madson, who are expected to take on expanded roles this season. Bara and Madson are the team’s top returning scorers, and leaders in several other statistical categories. The backcourt looks to improve on last year’s numbers with Bara’s 10.4 points per game and Madson trailing right behind with an efficient 9.5 points per game. With their scoring abilities, they look to improve on last year’s three-point percentage of 31.6%.
Bara, a transfer from Davenport, will look to achieve higher standards in his second year with the team.
“I still haven’t tasted what winning feels like at the college level, I just want to win.” Bara said.
As for Madson, he will look to develop into a larger leadership role and give this team guidance.
When describing last year, Madson expressed “Coming in with eight new guys, and seeing them form with us and having us all pair together as a collective unit, I think is one of the coolest things to see as a returner.”
With many last year additions, Madson and his teammates will strive to be more rooted together this season, with a year under their belt together.
While the backcourt story is intriguing, the frontcourt and team depth will play a major role in determining how far the Warhawks can climb. Returning key contributors include senior Richie Warren and junior Brock Marino.
Wichser has spoken about his willingness to experiment with lineups and positions, seeking versatility. If the frontcourt can blend size, athleticism and shooting, the Warhawks will be much more dangerous, and with the frontcourt depth that is present with this year’s squad, that type of success seems more likely. The question revolves around if the depth and younger pieces can step up. If so, UW-W may be deeper and stronger this year than many expect.
The schedule ahead for the Warhawks won’t be easy. The strong non-conference schedule will test this roster early, and that may be a good thing. If the team can get off to a solid start, that momentum could carry into the demanding WIAC season.
This team is hungry to win and they all seem to have similar goals in mind when it comes to the team.
“Just seeing people cut down that net, that’s what I want,” Madson said. “And to hold up that banner and punch our ticket to the NCAA tournament.”
While last year’s record of 11-15 may stir up external expectations, internally the energy and mentality is high and positive.
“It is a long season,” Wichser said. “We define success by continuous progress. When trying to win conference titles and national championships, we have to make sure we all understand our identity, and I try to establish that early.”
The ideal framework is in place: a supporting coach, returning contributors, developing guards and improved depth. If the Warhawks can put the pieces together and guard their home floor with more consistency, a return to contention in the WIAC is within reach.
