Freshman Hayden Jones Steps Up for Wisconsin After Janicki Injury

With sophomore guard Jack Janicki out with a broken wrist, freshman Hayden Jones will likely see an increased role for the Badgers.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Wisconsin sophomore guard Jack Janicki suffered a broken wrist in Tuesday's loss at Ohio State and is expected to miss at least four weeks, if not the rest of the season. Freshman Hayden Jones, who has seen limited minutes so far this season, is now poised to step into a larger role to help fill the void left by Janicki's absence. Jones, a 6'7" guard from New Zealand, has impressed the coaching staff in practice and is ready to contribute more on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

Janicki has been an important defensive presence for Wisconsin this season, often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. His absence will be felt, especially on the defensive end, as the Badgers look to maintain their position in the Big Ten standings and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Janicki has appeared in all 26 games for Wisconsin this season, averaging 2.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He's known as the team's best defender among regular rotation players. With Janicki sidelined, Jones, a true freshman, will likely see his minutes increase significantly. Jones has played in 19 of 26 games so far, including a start against Central Michigan, and impressed in limited action, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds in 16 minutes in the loss to Ohio State.

  • Janicki suffered the broken wrist in Tuesday's loss at Ohio State.
  • Janicki underwent surgery on Thursday and is expected to miss at least four weeks, if not the rest of the season.
  • Wisconsin faces Iowa on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Jack Janicki

A sophomore guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who has been a key defensive contributor this season, often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player.

Hayden Jones

A true freshman guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who is expected to see an increased role with Janicki sidelined. Jones is a 6'7" multi-dimensional prospect who can play both on and off the ball.

Greg Gard

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team.

John Blackwell

A junior guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who spoke about the impact of Janicki's absence and the potential of Hayden Jones.

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What they’re saying

“It's some tough shoes to fill. His defense has a very good impact on the team. I just have to be able to apply the same pressure and get the same stops that he does.”

— Hayden Jones, Freshman Guard (Badger Blitz)

“If you're talking about stats, that's not going to show up how much Jack impacted the game. He really impacted us defensively, and we're really going to miss that. His leadership on the court, too, we're going to miss him.”

— John Blackwell, Junior Guard (Badger Blitz)

“I thought Hayden, for somebody that hasn't had consistent minutes, he did a lot of good things, but it's exactly what I've been seeing in practice. I've been impressed with him. It's just a matter of him continuing to grow and get experience...Hayden, I thought, did a good job in the second half the other night. Now, he'll have an opportunity for more.”

— Greg Gard, Head Coach (Badger Blitz)

What’s next

The Badgers face a crucial Big Ten matchup against Iowa on Sunday, February 23, 2026 as they look to maintain their position in the conference standings and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament without the services of the injured Jack Janicki.

The takeaway

Hayden Jones' increased role presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the young freshman. While he has big shoes to fill in replacing the defensive presence of Jack Janicki, Jones has shown promise in limited minutes and the coaching staff has expressed confidence in his ability to step up and contribute more on both ends of the floor in the coming weeks.