THE GOOD NEWS
Wisconsin retains four of its top six players next year. All four -- point guard Trevon Hughes, shooting guard Jason Bohannon, small forward Joe Krabbenhoft and power forward Marcus Landry -- have been important parts of a program that has won 61 games over the last two years. Nobody else in the Big Ten can match that. Presuming the Badgers get in the gym and earn their customary offseason improvements, Bo Ryan's bunch figures to challenge for another Big Ten title next year.

THE BAD NEWS
With 6-foot-11 seniors Brian Butch and Greg Stiemsma graduating, the Badgers don't have any centers with relevant experience. Redshirt freshman J.P. Gavinski, who played just 15 minutes this season, seems like more of a role player. Freshman Keaton Nankivil, who managed seven points and 16 rebounds in 46 minutes this year, projects as a power forward. Could he and Marcus Landry start together in the frontcourt?

KEY RETURNEES
Sophomore guard Trevon Hughes was the Badgers' No. 2 scorer (11.2 ppg). Junior combo forward Joe Krabbenhoft was the team's No. 2 rebounder and assist man (6.5 rpg, 2.5 apg) and an all-Big Ten defender. Junior power forward Marcus Landry (10.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) delivered good numbers and improved his shooting range. Sixth man Jason Bohannon (8.2 ppg) hit a team-high 53 3-pointers and made 87 percent of his free throws.

They figure to be four-fifths of Wisconsin's starting lineup next season. Could freshman Keaton Nankivil join them? Or could it be incoming freshman Jared Berggren, a 6-foot-10 center from Minnesota who's regarded as one of the nation's top post recruits.

ROSTER REPORT

--C Brian Butch delivered a great season in his fifth and final year in Madison, Wisc. The 2003 McDonald's All-American earned first-team all-Big Ten honors as he led the Badgers in scoring (12.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.6 rpg) despite averaging just 24.6 minutes per game. Moreover, he filled the leadership void created when Alando Tucker wrapped up his career the year before.

--G Michael Flowers started slowly after a personal issue required a brief sabbatical from the team. But the combo guard wound up with a terrific senior year as he contributed 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while re-earning a place on the Big Ten's all-defensive team.

--G Trevon Hughes endured his share of ankle and foot problems during his sophomore year, including an injury that sent him out of the Davidson season finale in the first half. But Hughes enjoyed a breakout season that suggests he'll be an all-Big Ten performer next year.

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