The Badgers gained a commitment from former George Washington guard Trey Autry. This acquisition adds another veteran perimeter player to Greg Gard and his team who knows how to perform in a role. Matt Zenitz initially broke the story, which was later confirmed by BadgerNotes.
Autry, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard, joins Madison after playing in 100 career games, including 68 starts, over three seasons at George Washington. This past year, he started all 34 games, averaging 11. 0 points, 3. 5 rebounds, and 1. 5 assists in slightly under 29 minutes per game.
The staging is well-done. The efficiency distinguishes it.
Autry shot 43. 5% from the field and 38. 5% from beyond the arc on significant volume, averaging more than six 3-point attempts each game. He finished fifth in the Atlantic 10 in total made 3-pointers with 84, despite having the second-most attempts in the league. And Autry was consistent, nailing at least one 3-pointer in 31 of 34 games last season.
This is a player who is certain of his identity.
His shooting statistics are remarkable,” George Washington coach Chris Caputo remarked about Autry. “He’s just not a mistake player, rarely the guy who does anything outside of himself, and as a result, he’s exceptionally efficient. “
More than 75% of Autry’s field goal attempts during his collegiate career have come from beyond the three-point line (498 attempts), which he has made at a 37. 6% rate. Autry is a perimeter-oriented guard who excels as a spot-up shooter and has evolved into a capable scoring guard.
According to Barttorvik, Autry had a 2. 8 PRPG and a 125. 4 offensive rating while playing at a reasonable 15. 3% usage rate. That combination confirms what the eye exam reveals. He is effective, performs within himself, and does not need the ball to contribute to victory.
So, where does he fit?
There is a striking similarity to what Wisconsin received from senior guard Braeden Carrington last season. An experienced player stepping into a specified position, providing shooting and stability off the bench, and knowing how to compliment the individuals around him. Furthermore, George Washington’s roster composition, which includes eight players averaging 8. 0 points or more per game, indicates that Autry comes from a society that values teamwork over individual basketball.
With players such as Nolan Winter and Austin Rapp expected to anchor Wisconsin’s frontcourt, and Australian point guard Owen Foxwell facilitating and creating opportunities, the need for a second outside shooter is evident. Autry provides the Badgers’ coaching team the ability to preserve spacing and maintain offensive continuity as personnel change.
He also brings another veteran presence who can lead by example and increase competition for minutes in the backcourt, which includes returning options such as Jack Janicki, Hayden Jones, and Zach Kinziger, as well as incoming rookies LaTrevion Fenderson and Jackson Ball.
And that’s when this addition becomes more significant than it looks.
In a system that prioritizes pace, spacing, and shot creation via a European-influenced ball-screen continuity offense, having several shooting options on the court at all times is crucial. Wisconsin placed 10th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency last season, and if the goal is to keep that level, additions like these make perfect sense.
Autry projects as someone who can step off the bench, give quick offense, and keep defenses honest without interfering with the team’s flow. There’s also value in the experience component. With over 100 Division I games under his belt, Autry exemplifies this staff’s apparent focus on maintaining an older, more experienced roster. The less projection involved, the better.
He’s not being brought in to take over games. He is being brought in to perform a specific job and assist with the conclusion of the project. And in an attack that continues to rely increasingly on the three-point basket, that function has considerable worth.
Wisconsin averaged 32 three-point attempts per game last season, placing seventh in the country, thus adding another high-volume shooter who can step in and let it fly is a great match for where this program is headed.
A player of this caliber makes sense for a team that is still forming.
