RSS Bucks Team Notes

[Milwaukee Bucks]

Wisconsin Herd Weekly Recap: Can we hope?

OSHKOSH, WI - MARCH 06: Stephen Thompson Jr. #1 of the Wisconsin Herd drives to the basket during the game against the Mexico City Capitanes on March 06, 2026 at The Oshkosh Arena in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After being swept by the Mexico City Capitanes, the Wisconsin Herd pried away a late win against the Valley Suns to move to 9-20. With only seven games remaining in a frustrating season, overlooked players are finally seeing some shine.

Mexico City Capitanes 116, Wisconsin Herd 104​

Cormac Ryan: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 20 minutes, 5 points, 4 assists, 3 fouls, 2/2 FG, -20

Kobe Stewart: 37 minutes, 24 points, 5 rebounds, 9/15 FG, 2/5 FG, +1

The Herd kicked off their “El Herd” series with a loss. Against the G League’s top-seeded team, Wisconsin shockingly held their own for a while. They did so by grabbing early buckets from Stephen Thompson and cementing an early lead. Although the Capitanes sprinted to a big lead at halftime, more clutch shooting brought the Herd and Capitanes on level terms. However, like in many Herd games, they ran out of gas late, giving up a spree of shots to the likes of Boo Buie III and LJ Figueroa.

Today marked an encouraging game for 23-year-old prospect Kobe Stewart. Averaging 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds, the 6’6” wing led all Herd players with 24 points on efficient shooting. A midseason addition, Stewart has cemented his role as a key rotational piece with a high ceiling. He shoots .495/.378/.731 splits, and these numbers seem set to improve with more minutes and more shots. Stewart is near-impossible when he can get downhill, and if he can pair his athleticism and shooting with increased awareness, he could draw the attention of Bucks GM Jon Horst.

Mexico City Capitanes 116, Wisconsin Herd 97​

Cormac Ryan: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 19 minutes, 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1/4 FG, 1/4 3FG, -16

Mark Sears: 28 minutes, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4/13 FG, 0/3 3FG, -4

No Herd player scored over 15 points as the Capitanes used a huge fourth-quarter push to drop the Herd to 8-20. Despite an early scoring run, the Capitanes quickly trimmed the Herd’s double-digit lead with perimeter defense and on-fire long-range shooting. The Capitanes and Herd went back-and-forth throughout the game, but the Capitanes caught fire late and widened their lead to over 20 points. The Herd closed off their second straight loss, down 19 against the visitors.

The Herd sorely missed Ryan’s perimeter shooting on Saturday. The fourth-best shooting team in the G League shot just above 31% from range. Repeated turnovers and a failure to stop guys like Felipe Haase and Buie from range sealed the deal. The Herd’s inconsistency showed why they weigh in as one of the worst teams in the G League.

Wisconsin Herd 109, Valley Suns 103​

Cormac Ryan: DNP

Alex Antetokounmpo: 20 minutes, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3/3 FG, 0

Stephen Thompson: 34 minutes, 21 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 8/17 FG, 3/9 3FG, 3 steals, +20

The Herd picked up their ninth win of the season on Monday to cap a three-game home stretch. The Herd and Suns traded baskets throughout the game; the Herd gained the game’s biggest advantage when they embarked on a scoring spree after halftime. Led by Sean McDermott’s 31 points, the Suns brought it back to a tie game with little under four minutes left in the game, but gritty defense and clutch shooting from the charity stripe helped the Herd grind out a rare win.

Thompson is quickly establishing himself as a force in the Herd’s system. The 28-year-old guard averages over 17 points on efficient shooting and averages 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He torches defenses from range, is dynamic off the pick-and-roll, and has great vision. Monday showed it: the Puerto Rican national flirted with a triple-double, and his consistent jumper helped the Herd pull away from the Suns late.

Three Notes​

Keep watching Sears​

Mark Sears is quickly turning into the Herd’s guy. In 20 regular season games played, the Alabama alum is averaging 14 field goals attempted per game on .437/.392/.919 splits. With key offensive cogs like Nance, Ryan, and Oladipo gone, Sears has also assumed playmaking responsibilities (6.0 assists, 2.9 turnovers per game). Although his size is still a concern, Sears is proving himself to be a capable floor general. As he continues to post 20-point games through the end of March, Sears will be a name to watch, whether he continues with the Bucks franchise or signs elsewhere.

Could Herd call up Markovic?​

The Bucks’ second-round stash Bogoljub Markovic is piecing together a solid season abroad in Serbia. The 20-year-old is averaging 17.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game, helping his team, Mega Basket, fight off relegation. He’s a skilled passer and a smooth scorer who can add physicality through his 6’11” frame. Although his shooting has dramatically worsened over the season (he now shoots just north of 30% from three), he’s proven himself against experienced, strong defenses. Markovic could very well play with the Herd next year as the Bucks continue to evaluate his potential as an NBA player.

Ryan waiting for Bucks debut​

Could Cormac Ryan make his debut for the Bucks this season? The Herd sharpshooter inked a two-way deal with the Bucks last week but hasn’t appeared in any games. With just 18 games left in the Bucks’ season, Ryan could prove a useful bench player to relieve physical strain for the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, and more are all struggling with the injury bug. Could Doc turn to Ryan to relieve strain on the Bucks’ bench?

Source: https://www.brewhoop.com/bucks-feat...-weekly-recap-nba-g-league-alex-antetokounmpo

 

[Milwaukee Bucks]

Bucks vs. Suns Player Grades: Kuzma goes off, Giannis struggles against red-hot Suns

Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots over Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Showing big fight fueled by Taurean Prince’s return and Kyle Kuzma’s 10k milestone, the Milwaukee Bucks couldn’t keep the momentum down the stretch, losing to the Orlando Magic 129-114. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.

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Player Grades​

Kyle Kuzma​

38 minutes, 33 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 12/21 FG, 6/10 3P, -16

Kuzma came to play tonight, and it’s a pity the team couldn’t rally around Big Kuz as he passed 10,000 career points. The big man was in attack mode throughout the first three quarters, driving with purpose and draining deep triples. He was a menace defensively too. Small demerits for losing his touch in the fourth quarter and for a ghastly -16 in the plus-minus. It feels deceptive, though. His energy and marksmanship stood out, carrying the team for significant stretches and fueling big runs.

Grade: A-

Ryan Rollins​

40 minutes, 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 turnovers, 1 steal, 4/8 FG, 2/6 3P, -6

An up-and-down game for Ryan, with more significant downs than ups. His five turnovers led the team and contributed to a glaring discrepancy that largely decided the game. His giveaways were symptomatic of a player going too fast and losing control. His seven helpers are not to be overlooked, though, nor was his solid shooting.

Grade: C

Taurean Prince​

17 minutes, 0 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0/4 FG, -6

Throw out the stats. In this case, they’re irrelevant. What mattered was heart, grit, and tenacity. Prince playing in a game this season was something no one expected (and no one had ever done before with the severe neck injury he suffered earlier in the season). Instead of giving up, Prince has been a vocal member of the Bucks’ bench and practices all season, while working diligently to get back on the floor. That season-long commitment was rewarded with a return to action. He’s got a ways to go in regaining rhythm and playing at game speed, but proved to everyone that his heart can never be questioned.

Grade: A

Ousmane Dieng​

36 minutes, 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 5/8 FG, 2/4 3P, –8

Dieng played a nice all-around game, finding his shooting stroke and leading the team in rebounds.

Grade: B+

Giannis Antetokounmpo​

32 minutes, 22 points, 6 rebounds, 10/18 FG, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, –16

An uncharacteristically sluggish game for the superstar, who was swarmed by two or three Suns every time he touched the ball. Giannis looked a bit hobbled and, for him, low-energy as he returns from injury. He missed some gimmes, didn’t always close out on shooters with his usual verve, and on a few occasions took defensive possessions off. His shoulder was wrapped, hinting at another lingering sore spot.

Grade: B–

Myles Turner​

32 minutes, 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 7/13 FG, 5/8 3P, -2

Turner also came to play tonight, showing the kind of all-around impact player Bucks fans thought they were getting when he joined the team after a decade of tormenting them as a Pacer.

Grade: B+

AJ Green​

15 minutes, 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1/2 FG, 1/2 3P, -12

Another no-show game for Green, who in better days would have connected on some long-range missiles to stem the bleeding in the fourth quarter, when the team most needed a lift. The one play that stands out for AJ came for the wrong reason: he fouled old friend Grayson Allen on a three-pointer at the close of the first quarter. Allen drained the jumper and the freebie, padding the Suns’ lead.

Grade: D

Cam Thomas​

15 minutes, 8 points, 4 assists, 3/6 FG, 0/2 3P, -9

Cam’s downturn continued, with this game being more of the same from what we’ve seen over the past few weeks. I mean, Thomas was efficient with the court time he got—particularly with the four assists—but playing just 15 minutes with KPJ out is probably a reflection of where he’s at.

Grade: C

Pete Nance​

12 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 0/2 FG, -5

Pete’s minutes weren’t bad, but he really did nothing of note. Two turnovers for a player like him isn’t great either.

Grade: C-

Doc Rivers​

Plus side: the team didn’t fall into its familiar habit of a lackluster play to start the third quarter. They were the aggressors, running up an 11-point lead. Downside: the rest of the game, when the Bucks looked like they too often do, a team without an identity or requisite hunger to close out competitive games. How much of it falls on coaching, and how much on personnel—the team was missing Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jerico Sims tonight—can be debated.

Grade: C+

Limited Minutes: Andre Jackson Jr.

DNP-CD: Gary Harris, Gary Trent Jr., Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Inactive: Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, Alex Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., Cormac Ryan

Bonus Bucks Bits​

• Huge shout-out to Kyle Kuzma on passing the 10,000-point milestone. He went on one of his scoring benders that happens a few times every season, and was borderline unstoppable during stretches.
• Gary Trent Jr. has returned to the doghouse. Did not play. Was the only Buck taking extra shots after the game.
• Jalen Green clearly won the battle of the Greens, outscoring AJ 25-3. And let’s not forget that Jalen provided us with the first Fiserv wedgie in a while.

Up Next​

The Bucks travel to South Beach for a Thursday night tilt against the Miami Heat. Catch the action at 6:30 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

Source: https://www.brewhoop.com/bucks-anal...zman-giannisantetokounmpo-mylesturner-ajgreen

 

[Milwaukee Bucks]

Bucks Draft Watch: Conference tournament action

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 11: Hannes Steinbach #6 of the Washington Huskies reacts in the second half against the Southern California Trojans during the second round of the 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 11, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Bucks are slogging through the final quarter of somewhat meaningless basketball. A trip to the play-in seems less and less likely with each passing game, and Bucks fans have their eye trained on the latest shifts in lottery order rather than actual playoff standings. With March Madness merely five days away, there are several prospects worth your time that could join the Bucks in June.

Note: Mikel Brown Jr. may be on the Bucks’ shortlist but will sit out the remainder of the ACC tournament. Brown and Louisville ruled out a return as the projected lottery pick focuses on rehabbing a persistent back injury. Brown targeted a return to the court by Louisville’s first-round tournament matchup in about a week.

Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)​

Sophomore center Jayden Quaintance is a prospect to watch for a Bucks squad sorely lacking in frontcourt depth. Weighing in at 6’10” and 255 pounds, Quaintance is a gifted athlete with a wide wingspan, high bounce, and game instincts. He’s a gritty rebounder who’s shown flashes of finesse, scoring, and shooting throughout the season.

The only issue? Quaintance has struggled with injuries throughout the season. Rebounding from a torn ACL and meniscus during his freshman year, Quaintance has missed 17 straight games due to continued knee soreness. Injury history for a big man whose draft stock is tied to his mobility is never a good sign, and it’s looking unlikely that Quaintance will suit up at all this season, let alone today.

Quaintance and the 20-11 Kentucky Wildcats face the Missouri Tigers in the second round of the SEC tournament. Kentucky is a more or less a lock to make the tournament, so a loss won’t affect their chances of making the Big Dance. However, they could move up from their projected seventh seed, while playing spoiler to a Mizzou team teetering on the edge. Beating Missouri on Thursday would take them to a Friday afternoon matchup against top-seeded Florida.

Watch: 11:30 a.m. CDT on SEC Network.

Hannes Steinbach (Washington) ​

Washington forward Hannes Steinbach has emerged as the 2026 draft class’ X-factor. An imposing big man and a gifted rebounder, the German boasts a thick 6’11” frame that allows him to physically outmatch opponents. He shows levels of finesse and footwork around the rim, and his basketball IQ and maturity show in his lethality off the pick-and-roll. He’s an adequate shooter (he shoots 35.6% from three), but he faces several questions as the draft rolls around.

death, taxes and hannes steinbach spectacular catching the ball like a first round tight end https://t.co/kVb07P8BNn pic.twitter.com/UktHlWvM5Z

— Ben Pfeifer (@bjpf_) December 5, 2025

For one, he has significant holes on defense: he doesn’t show the dominant defensive presence you would expect from him. There are moments he’s hesitated in the paint and been torched for it. Additionally, his limited mobility and athleticism raise warning signals. Despite this, Steinbach is one of the most exciting prospects on the draft and could be a great big to pair with Giannis in the frontcourt.

Washington has virtually no possibility of earning an at-large bid, so they’ll have to win four straight in four days to keep their season alive. Helped by Steinbach’s 10 points and 11 boards in an overtime dub over USC, they’ll face nationally ranked Wisconsin to move on in the season. Thursday could very well be the last game Steinbach plays in a Huskies jersey.

Watch: 1:30 p.m. CDT on Big Ten Network

Nate Ament (Tennessee)​

Ament has been a polarizing pick for draft analysts nationwide. The wiry Tennessee forward has been solid throughout the season: terrific at moments (Alabama home) and putrid in others (Syracuse at the Players’ Tournament). He’s certainly an intriguing talent; he pairs a 6’10” frame with guard-like mobility and athleticism to run the floor and space out defenses. He has the defensive tools and length to be really frustrating, and his versatility has seen him play anywhere from the two to the four.

His shooting has been the biggest question mark on his profile. Despite fluid mechanics and form, Ament shoots just over 30% from deep, hampering his efficiency. His inconsistent shooting goes hand in hand with his season-long on-and-off offensive production. Additionally, Ament must get stronger before the NBA season, or he will struggle in his preferred forward slot.

Ament is questionable for Tennessee’s conference tournament game against Auburn. Although Tennessee is a lock for the tournament, getting Ament back from an ankle sprain could help him ease back into the offense and regain his shot. He’ll likely get some form of playing time during the tournament, whether it’s against a struggling Auburn or later in the conference tournament.

Watch: 2:00 p.m. CDT on SEC Network

Braylon Mullins (UConn) ​

Braylon Mullins of UConn has drawn comparisons to Kon Kneuppel and Reed Sheppard (cliché, I get it) for his sharpshooting. He has a quick release and consistent shooting form, and, in an offense known for its constant catch-and-shoot opportunities, he has thrived. Pairing that with his off-the-ball movement and ability to hit a variety of jumpers has led many scouts to believe he will be a high-level two-way guard.

This is what I've been waiting to see out of Braylon Mullins. Should be really dangerous as a screener/pull-up shooter. pic.twitter.com/zBdfmG6xuO

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) February 19, 2026

His shooting isn’t the only aspect of his profile. He’s an incredibly intelligent guard who uses his tight dribble and feel for the game to create separation for himself and shots for teammates. He’s a competitor and a gritty defender, and he fits right into Dan Hurley’s high-octane offense. There are questions about how his athleticism fits in at the next level and whether his thin 6’5” build will weather the NBA physicality, but his consistency has landed him in the low lottery range.

Mullins and UConn will face a struggling Xavier side in the Big East quarterfinals as they seek to support their case for a #1-seed in March Madness.

Watch: 6 p.m. CDT on FS1.

Keaton Wagler (Illinois)​

Wagler, Illinois’ breakout freshman, could rise as high as no. 4 or drop to as low as no. 8 or no. 9, depending on his performances for Illinois in the postseason. He’s amazed scouts because of his scoring; he’s a knock-down shooter (41% from range) and consistently gets separation through his dribble. His height (6’6”) allows him to see over the defense and make plays for teammates, and he pairs active hands, a lengthy wingspan, and a high IQ to blow up plays on defense. He proved that he was for real with a historic 46-point outburst against Purdue.

There is still uncertainty about whether Wagler is truly ready for the NBA because of his limited strength and relatively low athleticism. He has the highest ceiling, but a pretty low floor as well. If he wants to succeed in the league as a Shai-like guard, he needs to continue developing physically. There’s no question that Wagler, a leader in the Illinois locker room, will take the right steps to do so.

Wagler and no. 9 Illinois will face the winner of Northwestern-Purdue in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Continuing to play into Wagler’s on-ball skills will be vital to Illinois’ tournament schedule

Watch: Friday at 5:30 p.m. CDT on Big Ten Network

Labaron Philon (Alabama)​

Labaron Philon weighs in as one of the best guards in the draft and one of the best players in Division One basketball. The sophomore guard averages 21.5 points and 4.8 assists per game on .507/.389/.785 splits. He has the burst and pace of a perennial All-Star, and his vision and feel for the game are shown in his role as Alabama’s chief playmaker. His aggressive, Rambo-style play has helped him drop 35-point games in overtime wins. He’s also shone on the other side of the ball, pairing active hands and length to stop star players in their tracks. Plus, he’s the only player on the list to get a Rylo Rodriguez shoutout.

Labaron Philon to take the LEAD pic.twitter.com/s6SGrcK04L

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 1, 2026

His hesitancy in decision-making, along with potential concerns over his shooting form and strength, has analysts picking Philon at the low end of the lottery. However, Philon is poised, refined, and has incredible potential as an explosive scorer and solid playmaker.

Philon’s high-scoring Crimson Tide earned a bid to the SEC’s quarterfinals. Alabama will play the winner of Georgia-Ole Miss on Friday.

Watch: 6:00 p.m. CDT on SEC Network

Source: https://www.brewhoop.com/bucks-anal...cks-milwaukee-2026-ncaa-conference-tournament