For years, Wisconsin basketball has built its reputation on grit, development, and finding hidden gems that blossom into stars. Now, the Badgers’ 2025 recruiting class just got the kind of validation that fans love to see: two international freshmen, Hayden Jones and Aleksas Bieliauskas, have officially been elevated to 4-star status in updated recruiting rankings.
For head coach Greg Gard, this is more than just a cosmetic boost in perception — it’s a signal that Wisconsin’s pipeline is stronger, broader, and more respected than ever before.
A Global Boost for the Badgers
International recruiting has never been easy. Unlike American high school stars who are constantly under the microscope of scouts, rankings, and highlight reels, international players often go overlooked. For decades, programs like Gonzaga and Arizona were known for tapping into that international pool while others hesitated.
But with the rise of global basketball, televised tournaments, and elite youth competitions such as the FIBA championships, the rest of the world is no longer hidden. Scouts and evaluators are paying attention, and the latest rankings prove it: Wisconsin has landed not just talented players, but internationally recognized stars in the making.
Hayden Jones: New Zealand’s Rising Star
If you followed this summer’s FIBA U19 tournament, you already know the name Hayden Jones. The versatile guard was a standout for New Zealand, playing with confidence and skill against some of the toughest young competition in the world.
Jones brings a mix of toughness, energy, and offensive versatility — the type of player who fits Wisconsin’s system perfectly. What makes him stand out isn’t just his skillset, but the way he commands the game. Coaches and scouts alike have noted his leadership qualities, which can be rare in freshmen adjusting to a new environment.
By the time he steps onto the floor in Madison, Jones will arrive not just as a prospect, but as a proven competitor on the international stage.
Aleksas Bieliauskas: The Lithuanian Machine
Then there’s Aleksas Bieliauskas, a name that is quickly becoming familiar to anyone watching international hoops. Bieliauskas played a pivotal role in leading Lithuania’s U20 team to a silver medal finish, showing poise under pressure and proving he can hang with some of the world’s best young big men.
Known for his strong fundamentals, high basketball IQ, and soft shooting touch for his size, Bieliauskas has the makings of a player who can thrive in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has long been known for producing frontcourt players who develop into stars, and Bieliauskas could be the next in that line.
What This Means for Greg Gard and Wisconsin
For Wisconsin, this recognition goes beyond two players. It’s validation for Greg Gard and his staff’s recruiting strategy. Critics have often questioned whether Wisconsin could keep up with the flashier recruiting wins of Big Ten rivals like Michigan State, Indiana, or Illinois. But landing two players who are now respected globally shows the Badgers aren’t just sticking to their Midwest roots — they’re expanding their reach.
And make no mistake: perception matters. A class with two newly minted 4-star recruits signals to future prospects that Wisconsin is a destination program, not just a development program. It tells fans that the Badgers aren’t just hoping for diamonds in the rough — they’re landing talent that the basketball world is already recognizing.
Looking Ahead
Jones and Bieliauskas won’t single-handedly transform Wisconsin into a recruiting powerhouse overnight, but they represent a shift. A shift toward global awareness. A shift toward gaining respect in international recruiting circles. And a shift toward building a roster that can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the Big Ten.
Badger fans love underdog stories. They love watching players grow from raw potential into All-Big Ten stars. With Jones and Bieliauskas, that tradition remains alive — but this time, it comes with the added excitement of knowing the rest of the world already sees their talent.
The future in Madison just got a lot brighter. And if these rankings are any indication, the Badgers are building something that could shine far beyond the Big Ten.
