UWGB men's basketball has been transformed into a Horizon League contender with the help of players with winning pedigrees, as coach Sundance Wicks recruits individuals who have experienced success in high school competitions. The team's success is reflected in its position as second in the conference at 7-3, preparing to host Oakland in a highly anticipated matchup.

The recruitment of players with winning backgrounds has significantly enhanced UWGB's performance, propelling the team to a higher standing in the conference than expected. This strategic approach to recruiting has expedited the team's rebuilding process, exceeding previous season's win records.

• Marcus Hall named the league’s freshman of the week, averaging 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds against Wright State and Northern Kentucky.
• UWGB's record stands at 12-9 overall, with the team having a good chance to surpass the 16 combined wins of the previous three seasons.

• The team's position as the second in the conference, with the upcoming match against Oakland, reflects a significant improvement from the initial preseason prediction of being the worst squad in the Horizon League.
• Notable efforts to address player injuries, with freshman guard David Douglas Jr. possibly close to a return due to a lower back issue, while freshman forward Amari Jedkins faces a longer recovery period from a stress reaction.

As UWGB continues its season, the team aims to maintain its positive trajectory and leverage the winning mentality of its players to secure further victories, while also managing and supporting the recovery of injured team members.

The deliberate recruitment of players with winning backgrounds has significantly contributed to UWGB's success, accelerating the team's rebuilding process and improving its performance in the conference, reflecting the transformative impact of strategic player selection.