Badger Bits: Frank Kaminsky blogs, ACC/Big Ten Challenge scheduled released

What a matchup it will be on Dec. 3 at the Kohl Center. In a 2009 Big Ten-ACC Challenge rematch, Duke and Wisconsin will face each other again in the annual matchup between two of the best conferences in America. Sports Illustrated's Brian Hamilton breaks down the full slate, which looks awesome. Pending any sort of freak start, both Wisconsin and Duke should be top-five teams, and sporting contrasting styles. The Blue Devils will have the No. 1 recruiting class, and thus little upperclassmen experience, while the Badgers will boast a senior-laden lineup.

I was there the last time these two programs faced off, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. For one, Bo Ryan's squad led the entire game, wrapping up a 73-69 victory. Secondly, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is the face of college basketball; any time you can witness that, its a treat. If you can get a chance to go to the game in early December, I suggest you do so. The matchup I'm really looking forward to is Frank Kaminsky vs. the nation's top preseason freshman, Jahlil Okafor. Also, keep an eye out on point guards Tyus Jones Traevon Jackson.

Kaminsky was a hot click on the Internet Thursday. As he has been doing for the past few weeks, he blogged about his decision to stay at Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility. In an honest, straightforward post, Kaminsky acknowledged his interest in looking into his draft stock, but also focused on the reasons why he ultimately decided to come back to Madison. I did some research on the background of the blog and found that it's for a class, Life Sciences Communication 432. The biggest thing that stood out, at least to the national media, was that he called the NBA atmosphere "boring." This then got the attention of ESPN, which prompted Kaminsky to post a follow-up to explain his rationale.

A native of Kaminsky's home state, Zion, Ill., swingman Admiral Schofield has piqued the Badgers' interest with his performance over the weekend in a recent AAU tournament. He holds a scholarship offer from UW-Green Bay plus interest from St. John's, Indiana and Nebraska. He is also the younger brother of former Wisconsin linebacker O'Brien Schofield.

According to an ESPN report, Wisconsin's athletic department earned the second-most revenue among college programs in 2012-13 at $149 million, including $50 million from football and $19 million from basketball. The Badgers also had the second-highest expenses at $146.7 million. It's really interesting when all of this success gets rationalized by economics. By and large, college athletics are a big business, but it's tough to put that concept into perspective when you're watching your favorite player run for touchdowns.

At least coming from someone who wants to get into sports negotiations, it would be intriguing to be a fly on the wall during contract talks for big-time NFL stars. The National Football Post supplied the closest thing we are ever going to get to this process with a mock trial of J.J. Watt's upcoming contract discussions. The piece is broken up into two parts (Part 1; Part 2) and is some really good stuff.

Someone who will face the reality of an NFL contract very soon is Jared Abbrederis, though there won't be any negotiations because each rookie contract is fixed, per the newest Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Big Ten Network had the former walk-on wide receiver on as a guest to talk about next week's NFL Draft.

Quick Hitters

Former UW men's soccer player Bram Dorresteijn has passed away after a tragic car accident last week. The accident also took the life of his wife, Shari. UWBadgers.com's Patrick Herb as an excellent tribute to the UW alum.

Wisconsin Women's basketball coach Bobbie Kelsey has added a new recruit to her squad. Former UW-Milwaukee forward Avyanna Young will have to sit out the upcoming season because of NCAA transfer rules, but she'll have two years of eligibility remaining after that.

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I still think No. 2 Brian Calhoun could have been a legitimate contender for the 2006-07 Heisman Trophy, but such is life. The former UW running back was electric during his one season in Madison, rushing for 1,636 yards and 22 touchdowns. Calhoun declared for the NFL Draft following a 213-yard performance against Auburn in Barry Alvarez's last game* in the 2006 Capital One Bowl, and was selected in the third round by the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, reoccurring knee injuries forced him to walk away from the game.