Wisconsin's Jack Janicki emerges as Badgers' defensive leader

Former walk-on has become a vocal presence and anchor on the Badgers' defense

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Jack Janicki, a former walk-on, has quietly become one of the most important leaders for the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team, both on and off the court. Janicki, who has drawn comparisons to former Badger Carter Gilmore, has stepped up as a vocal leader and defensive anchor for Wisconsin this season, helping to offset the loss of Gilmore's leadership.

Why it matters

Janicki's emergence as a leader is crucial for the Badgers, who lost several key players from last season's team. His defensive IQ and ability to cover for his teammates' mistakes has made him an invaluable part of Wisconsin's defense, and his vocal presence in the locker room has helped guide the team through some early-season ups and downs.

The details

Janicki began his Wisconsin career as a walk-on and redshirted his first year, but he quickly established himself as a leader despite not playing much. He has been praised for his defensive versatility and ability to quarterback the defense, similar to how Gilmore did in his final season. Janicki has stepped up his game recently, even seeing time at power forward in small-ball lineups, after a tough conversation with head coach Greg Gard earlier in the season.

  • Janicki redshirted in his first year as a Badger.
  • Earlier this offseason, Gard challenged Janicki to get back to doing the little things that earned him playing time a season ago.

The players

Jack Janicki

A former walk-on who has emerged as a vocal leader and defensive anchor for the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team.

Carter Gilmore

A former Badger who was lauded for his defensive IQ and ability to cover for his teammates' mistakes, and was a vocal leader for the team.

Greg Gard

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a natural leader. I've led every team I've ever been on my whole life. I was vocal, even when I wasn't playing, and I had guys like Chucky (Hepburn) and Tyler (Wahl). I've always been a voice that I feel my teammates value. I think it's because I know a lot about the game, and I think it's because my teammates trust me and I make a lot of relationships.”

— Jack Janicki (SI.com)

“He's developing into that multi-dimensional guy like Gilmore was. (Gilmore) was always covering up, quarterbacking the defense from behind.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach (SI.com)

“There are some voices in the locker room that definitely ring out in times when things are going poorly, and Gilly's was the voice that we would turn to. I've been fortunate enough to have the same sort of role this year.”

— Jack Janicki (SI.com)

The takeaway

Janicki's emergence as a leader on the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team highlights the importance of player development and the ability of walk-on players to make a significant impact. His defensive prowess and vocal presence in the locker room have been crucial for the Badgers as they navigate the loss of key players from last season's team.