Frank Kaminsky
2012: (4) Wisconsin lost to Syracuse in Sweet 16
2013: (5) Wisconsin lost to (12) Ole Miss in First Round
2014: (2) Wisconsin lost to (8) Kentucky in Final Four
2015: (1) Wisconsin lost to (1) Duke in Championship
Frank Kaminsky didn’t play much for the Wisconsin Badgers his freshman and sophomore years. He only averaged 1.8 points and 4.2 points, respectively, in those seasons. In the tournament those years, Wisconsin was meh.
His junior year, however, the proverbial switch flipped and he turned into the Frank Kaminsky that would eventually be a lottery pick. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds his junior season and his team advanced in the tournament all the way to the Final Four, where they played…drumroll…Kentucky.
This is another game I will remember vividly for all time. I was there, in Dallas, Texas, at the Jerry Dome. Aaron Harrison for Kentucky hit a 3 in the closing seconds to give UK the lead, and Wisconsin’s final shot rimmed out, giving Kentucky the win.
I hugged many strangers in the immediate aftermath.
In that game, Kaminsky mustered a mere eight points and five rebounds.
The following season. I don’t know. Something happened. I already talked about I don’t really feel think I can emotionally handle rehashing it.
Basically, Wisconsin played Duke in the finals and they lost. Frank was there.