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GEORGE MARSHALL The scout team is designed to simulate the upcoming opponent. Both head coach Bo Ryan and Taylor credited Marshall after the Badgers' dominating 64-40 win over Nebraska. Marshall simulated Bo Spencer, the Huskers' high-scor- ing guard. "Josh Gasser did a great job defensively on Spencer, but George was really important this week getting us ready for him too," Taylor said moments after UW held Spencer to just five points on 2-of-12 shooting. "George might be Wisconsin's greatest scout team player of all time." Jordan rules. But the Marshall plan keeps things interesting. "He's quick," Taylor said. "I'm not sure if he knows how quick he is." Does Marshall know how good he can be? "I think he knows that," said Taylor, smiling, "which kind of separates him from a lot of guys his age. He has confidence and a swagger about him on the court." To his credit, the unassuming 5-foot-11 Mar- shall is just trying to do his job. "I look forward to challenging him (Taylor) every day in practice," Marshall said. "And he's definitely a challenge. He's a great player. "I'm playing as hard as I can to prepare him for the next opponent. I'm trying to make myself better at the same time that I'm trying to make him better." Truth is, Marshall wasn't initially sure what his role would be this season since the Badgers have so much depth in the backcourt with Tay- lor, Josh Gasser, Ben Brust and Rob Wilson. "I didn't think I'd be redshirting," said Mar- shall, a second-team All-State guard and four- year starter out of Brooks High School and the Chicago Public League. "I didn't expect a lot of (playing) time, of course, with Jordan Taylor in front of me. I was kind of in the middle as far as my thought pro- cess when I came here. 38 » VARSITY JANUARY 12, 2012 "Sometimes you'll get a fresh- man and they'll be matched against a senior and they'll back off at times," UW associate head coach Greg Gard said. "They don't want to (com- pete). But George is fearless." his hand as a senior. "It was heartbreaking news," he said. "That really tore me up." Marshall got back in time for the Chicago Public League playoffs, and didn't disappoint. "I was really determined and motivated to win a championship," he said. He kept his word. "But I definitely think redshirting is the best move. This year is a learning experience – I'm learning the ins and outs of the whole system and getting myself better physi- cally and mentally. "Matter of fact, I've already gotten better." And bigger – Marshall has al- ready upped his weight from 178 to 188. "George has re- ally bought into the weight room; he at- tacks it," Gard said. "Physically, he can take bumps and he's getting to the rim and finishing." Marshall had more than his share of bumps during his prep career. He dealt with a rash of injuries throughout his shortened junior season at Brooks, and then he broke