MADISON, Wisconsin -- Everywhere Johnny Davis turned in high school, he heard the knock against Wisconsin: Great college program, but not for elite players seeking the fast track to the NBA.
The skeptics surrounding Davis weren't outsiders with limited Badgers intel. They were Wisconsin kids from La Crosse Central High School, one of the state's top basketball prep powers, where Davis starred. He and his teammates had grown up during the most consistent stretch of Badgers basketball ever: six Sweet 16 appearances between 2011 and 2017, Final Fours in 2014 and 2015 and annual trips to the NCAA tournament.