Wisconsin offered Zach Kinziger, a standout in the 2025 recruiting class, during its advanced camp in late June.
Friday, head coach Greg Gard received a commitment from the 6-foot-2, 175-pound shooting guard from De Pere High School. KInziger is the first pledge for the Badgers in the junior cycle.
"I just think it's a perfect fit for me," Kinziger told BadgerBlitz.com on Friday. "I love the coaching staff, the culture and the tradition they have over there. I feel like it's right for me and so I told myself, 'why wait?' I love everything about Wisconsin and I figured now is the right time to jump on it and continue to build our relationship. I'm looking forward to being a Badger."
Kinziger, who averaged over 15 points and close to four rebounds and three assists as a sophomore, visited UW unofficially earlier this week. He alerted the coaches of his decision one day later.
"I took an unofficial visit on Tuesday and I came away just loving it," Kinziger said. "I made my decision that night when I got home. When I was on campus I realized there was no better place for me. Even if I waited another year for other schools to offer, I know that I would not have felt differently about Wisconsin. This just gives me a better start with them.
"I called Coach Gard on Wednesday night and he was with Coach (Joe) Krabbenhoft. They were super excited and I was excited as well. I think they are happy to get me committed early so I can continue to bring other guys in with me as well. I think they want me lead this class and that was their goal with me committing early. But they are super pumped and it's a great feeling to be wanted by that coaching staff."
The Badgers also have offers out to fellow in-state standouts Will Garlock (Middleton), Kai Rogers (Wauwatosa West), Davion Hannah (Nicolet) and LeTrevion Fenderson (Prairie) in the 2025 class. Kinziger plans to work on all four, in addition to another prospect in the 2024 cycle.
"I'm trying to build some relationships already," Kinziger said. "I've talked a few times to Will Garlock through AAU and I also know Kai Rogers. I'll also be reaching out to Davion Hannah now that I'm committed. And then there's my buddy Kon Knueppel. We're pretty good friends so I'll be hitting him up to get him over here with me."
Kinziger, who competes with Team Herro on the EYBL circuit, also had offers from Cal Poly, Green Bay, Illinois State and Toledo. He can play either guard spot at the next level.
"They like that I can do both," Kinziger said. "They envision me at the 2 and then the 1 at other times. I can just get it and go when I get the rebound, and they like that I can start the offense. The coaches mentioned Daniel Freitag and how he can do similar things. I think we will pair well together and they like the versatility that we bring.
"I have two years of high school left and I can now do that pressure free. I can go out and try and win two more state titles with my high school team. I can play AAU without any worries and just play my game. That's a good feeling."
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