Badger Bits: Going undrafted could play into Taylor's favor

It's every player's fantasy to hear the commissioner call his name on draft night. For college standouts like Thomas Robinson and Austin Rivers, it's not a matter of if, but when they will be drafted. But for former Badgers' point guard Jordan Taylor, this Thursday's NBA Draft will be surrounded by much more uncertainty. Nearly all mock drafts believe Taylor will go undrafted, (besides this story from a Lakers' blog) but oddly enough, this may play into Taylor's favor.

Highly regarded college basketball analyst Jay Bilas had this to say regarding Taylor's draft status.

"He will be snapped up as a free agent to go into camp somewhere," Bilas said. "He’ll know who really wants him and is willing to pay for him to be there. He will be able to pick the team that will give him the best chance to make it."

I see this as a good situation for Taylor, as it would provide him with the opportunity to succeed in the NBA. Although any team taking him would have specific plans for utilizing Taylor, it may not be the best situation for him. But if he goes undrafted, it will be his decision on where to tryout and attempt to crack a roster.

Many experts — including Timberwolves executive David Kahn — claim that although Taylor shined as an efficient ball handler at Wisconsin, his below-average shooting percentage and lack of size hurt his draft stock. Taylor may not be a starting point guard at the next level, but that does not mean he cannot make a positive impact coming off the bench. But he still needs to prove himself to NBA executives after the draft, so in some ways going undrafted could play into Taylor's favor.

Wednesday's Links:

Based purely on NCAA production, Taylor may be the third best player in the NBA Draft.

It's official: In 2014 the BCS will be abolished and the four-team playoff era will begin. Tom Dienhart recaps all the action and reacts to the major news.

Off Tackle Empire breaks down the job Bret Bielema and his coordinators have done at UW and at previous schools.

Despite multiple ACL injuries the past few seasons, quarterback Curt Phillips is looking good and may be "back in the mix" for the starting job.

Badgers' defensive coordinator Chris Ash ranks tenth on ESPN Madison's list of important Badgers for this fall.

Check out the throwback Notre Dame-esqe jerseys Iowa will sport against in-state rival Iowa State this year.

Mike Lucas caught up with three former Wisconsin offensive lineman — from the dominant 2010 group — who are making their mark in the NFL.

The men's basketball team secured its first verbal commitment of the 2014 class from Milan, Ill., native Ethan Happ.