Wisconsin Herd Overview
The Wisconsin Herd is a professional basketball team competing in the NBA G League. Established in 2017, the team is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and serves as the official affiliate and is owned by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Herd plays its home games at the Oshkosh Arena and competes in the Eastern Conference. The team is recognized for its strong ties to the Milwaukee Bucks and its role in developing talent for the NBA parent club.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Wisconsin Herd was founded in 2017 following the Milwaukee Bucks’ initiative to establish an NBA Development League team. The Bucks considered several Wisconsin cities before selecting Oshkosh as the home for their affiliate. The decision was finalized after a competitive bidding process involving Grand Chute, La Crosse, Racine, and Sheboygan. Oshkosh city officials proposed the former site of the Buckstaff Furniture Company for the team’s arena, which received approval from the city’s planning commission and common council. This marked the beginning of the Herd’s organizational structure and operational base.
Growth Into NBA G League Competition
After the official announcement in February 2017, the Wisconsin Herd quickly established its presence in the NBA G League. The team unveiled its name and logo in June 2017 and appointed Dave Dean as the first general manager. The coaching staff was announced in September 2017, laying the foundation for the team’s competitive programs. The Herd’s affiliation with the Milwaukee Bucks has been central to its development strategy, providing a pipeline for player development and technical support.
Wisconsin Herd Competitive Journey
Since its inception, the Wisconsin Herd has steadily progressed within the NBA G League, focusing on player development and competitive growth. The team has experienced various coaching changes and operational shifts while maintaining a commitment to fostering talent aligned with the Milwaukee Bucks’ standards.
Early Seasons and Development (2017–2020)
The Herd’s initial seasons involved building a competitive roster and establishing its identity within the league. Early leadership under general manager Dave Dean and the coaching staff focused on integrating players who could develop skills for NBA readiness. The team showed promise during the 2019–20 season, leading the league and securing a playoff spot before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This period was marked by steady improvement and increasing recognition in the G League community.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
After opting out of the 2020–21 season due to the pandemic, the Wisconsin Herd returned for the 2021–22 season with new leadership, including head coach Chaisson Allen and general manager Tony Bollier. The team continues to operate under the ownership and affiliation of the Milwaukee Bucks, playing home games at the Oshkosh Arena. Current head coach Beno Udrih leads the team, focusing on competitive performance and player development. The Herd’s colors—Good Land green, Cream City cream, Great Lakes blue, black, and white—reflect its Wisconsin heritage. The organization aims to strengthen its competitive standing in the Eastern Conference while serving as a key developmental platform for the Bucks.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Wisconsin Herd emphasizes player development, strategic growth, and strong affiliation with the Milwaukee Bucks. The team focuses on nurturing talent, implementing advanced coaching techniques, and maintaining competitive consistency within the NBA G League. This approach positions the Herd as a vital contributor to the Bucks’ long-term success.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Notable moments for the Wisconsin Herd include clinching a playoff spot in the 2019–20 season before the pandemic interruption and successfully navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including opting out of the 2020–21 season. The team’s establishment in Oshkosh and the approval of the arena site were significant organizational milestones.
Wisconsin Herd Achievements and Results
While the Wisconsin Herd has yet to secure league championships or conference titles, the team has made important strides in competitive play and player development. Their playoff qualification in the 2019–20 season stands as a highlight in their young history.
NBA G League Achievements
Since joining the NBA G League in 2017, the Wisconsin Herd has focused on building a competitive team aligned with the Milwaukee Bucks’ objectives. The 2019–20 season was a breakthrough as the Herd led the league and earned a playoff berth before the season’s premature end. The team continues to pursue its first league championship and aims to establish itself as a consistent playoff contender.
Conference Achievements
Competing in the Eastern Conference, the Wisconsin Herd has worked to develop a competitive presence. Although the team has not yet won conference titles, its playoff appearance in 2019–20 demonstrated its potential within the conference. The Herd remains committed to growth and competitive excellence in the Eastern Conference.
Divisional Achievements
The Wisconsin Herd has not recorded divisional championships since its founding. The team continues to build its program with a focus on long-term success and player development within its division.
Series Achievements
As a relatively new team in the NBA G League, the Wisconsin Herd’s achievements are centered on establishing a solid foundation and competitive identity. The team aims to expand its accomplishments in upcoming seasons through strategic development and strong affiliation with the Milwaukee Bucks.
