MADISON – The Wisconsin basketball program is developing a New Zealand connection.
Last summer Badgers coach Greg Gard received a commitment from Hayden Jones, a 6-foot-7 guard from Nelson, New Zealand, who is set to join the team next season. Monday night, Gard received a pledge from Jackson Ball, a 6-4 guard from the city of Napier who is in the 2026 class.
UW also has former New Zealand national team player Kirk Penney on staff as a special assistant to the head coach.
Ball announced his commitment on Instagram.
“I am grateful and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin!,” Ball wrote. “Huge thanks to Coach Gard and the rest of the Winconsin coaching team for this opportunity. I can’t wait to put on the Wisconsin singlet.”
Ball is the second commitment for the 2026 class. LaTrevion Fenderson, a 6-5 wing from Racine who attends DME Academy at St. John’s Northwestern in Delafield, announced his commitment in August.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Zealand guard Jackson Ball commits to Greg Gard, Wisconsin
