When it comes to some of the biggest mismatches in college basketball history, former Wisconsin starter Frank Kaminsky was as special as they come.
As a mismatch problem that warped from a late-blooming arc, the 7-foot menace peaked at exactly the right moment for the Badgers.
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The 2015 consensus National College Player of the Year – including the Wooden Award – was more than a threat in the paint, too, as he showed no fear
He could put the ball on the floor from the perimeter, he could dish the rock out of doubles like a guard, and if you weren’t paying attention, he would knock down trailing 3-pointers.
So while most college centers in that era had to live near the rim, Kaminsky had a knack for dragging opposing bigs into uncomfortable space, something most defenses weren’t ready for at the time.
Kaminsky never blew by people, nor did he play above the rim, but his footwork, timing, and decision-making were elite.
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He used his height to his advantage, too, as pump fakes became advantageous, while he’d establish counters on counters in the post and always seemed one step ahead defensively.
Kaminsky did a fantastic job of punishing those who made mistakes, because if you were late to a spot on the court, smaller – which many were – or slow to adjust, he was going to cook you.
Playing for Bo Ryan’s swing offense in Wisconsin meant your game was built around spacing, reads, and unselfishness, and Kaminsky melded into perfect form by the time he emerged as the nation’s top player.
While Wisconsin’s offense buzzed because Kaminsky was capable of doing everything, he made sure everyone around him was better.
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Kaminsky’s development arc was one of legendary lore, as he made a massive senior-year leap after opening his college career as a role player early on, becoming a solid contributor.
Out of nowhere, a National Player of the Year was born.
In 2015, Kaminsky averaged 18.8 points, led Wisconsin to the national title game and was the clear leader of the Badgers. It was that late breakout that made him feel unstoppable, something like a grown man playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.
His big-game confidence was something to be admired by, evidenced by his play in the Final Four, during Big Ten slugfests, while facing tournament pressure. Bottom line, Kaminsky was comfortable being the go-to guy, scored 20-plus in huge moments, proving his calming nature, laced with a smug confidence, was part of his aura.
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When all was said and done, what we had was a dominant and special player because we had a 7-footer who stretched the floor as a center, mastered his skill and IQ over athleticism, perfectly fit – and elevated – an elite college system in an always tough Big 10, emerged in his final year like a seasoned pro, and overall, became one of the best examples of how college basketball greatness isn’t always about providing an NBA upside, but simply being where your feet are by mastering you craft.
