If Bo Ryan hasn't struck at least a modicum of fear into his Big Ten colleagues during his first two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, perhaps this brief history lesson will.

Two seasons ago, the Badgers won a share of the Big Ten regular-season title despite having only eight scholarship players. Last season that number rose to 10, and the Badgers won the regular-season title outright. This season Ryan should have a dozen scholarship players, and the Badgers return 77 percent of the scoring, 82 percent of the rebounding and 76 percent of the assists from the team that won a school-record 24 games.

Ryan, who has overcome transfers and scholarship reductions imposed by the NCAA for violations committed before he took over, isn't foolish enough to predict a three-peat. Yet with everyone except Kirk Penney back and the addition of three promising recruits, no one should be surprised to see the Badgers battle for another title.

"We've got good people coming in," said Ryan. "We've got good people here. [But] you have to have guys mesh. We're going to need some help scoring. The question is: Does it come from somebody who is already here or does it come from somebody who is added? Things have always managed to work out. Somebody usually steps up."

FRONTCOURT

Someone -- anyone -- needs to step up at forward or center. If not for junior Mike Wilkinson, who is a 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward masquerading as a center, the Badgers would have no consistent production from their big men. "We just need to get some healthy people to give him a little bit of a break," Ryan said.

Senior center Dave Mader, slowed by injury and inconsistency last season, or sophomore forward Andreas Helmigk, who was coming off a serious knee injury, could ease Wilkinson's burden. However, don't be surprised to see freshman center Brian Butch, a McDonald's All-American, and junior forward Zach Morley, a transfer from Indian Hills Community College, battle immediately for playing time.

If both contribute early, the difference could be dramatic, because their presence could lighten the workload of sophomore Alando Tucker, named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Tucker stood his ground at power forward despite being just 6-5 and 195. Yet with the influx of bulk along the baseline, he should be able to shift to a wing spot. "Alando didn't try to do things he couldn't do," Ryan said. "This year, with a little better shooting range and being a little better defensively, I think he'll be ready to step up."

BACKCOURT

Despite the loss of Penney, the Badgers should have a solid three-guard rotation from Day 1. Junior Devin Harris shifted seamlessly to point guard from shooting guard last season and is a first-team all-conference performer in the making. Harris was the main reason the Badgers ranked No. 2 in the nation in fewest turnovers (10.4 per game), and he showed in the Sweet 16 loss to Kentucky (15 points, four assists, three steals) that he is ready to elevate his game.

"What I'm looking for from Devin is more leadership," Ryan said. "He was the floor general last year and I'm hoping he'll be even better. But, for a sophomore, he took excellent care of the basketball."

Senior Freddie Owens, one of four double-figure scorers returning, has developed into a dangerous offensive threat. Wisconsin fans won't soon forget the game-winning 3-pointer he buried against Tulsa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Sophomore Boo Wade was the lone reserve to average at least 10 minutes per game and proved to be a solid defender and adequate ball-handler. Look for him to score more this season.

And if freshman Kammron Taylor is as good as advertised, he could supply scoring to compensate for Penney's departure.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Some analysts insist on attributing Wisconsin's success under Ryan to the Badgers' ability to make opponents play ugly, an unflattering link to Dick Bennett's UW teams. Hogwash. Under Ryan, the Badgers turn the ball over infrequently, make more free throws than their opponents attempt and exhibit efficiency and balance on offense.

As Ryan continues to assemble versatile talent, he'll unleash a more aggressive style on both ends of the court. Ryan should have his deepest team yet this season. Barring injuries, the Badgers will be in the hunt for a Big Ten title and could be poised for a deeper NCAA Tournament run.

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