Badgers add Ball to Class of 2026
November 16, 2025 | Men's Basketball
New Zealand native to join Wisconsin next fall
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's basketball team announced on Sunday the signing of Jackson Ball to the incoming freshman class for the 2026-27 season.
"We are ecstatic to have Jackson as a Wisconsin Badger," UW head coach Greg Gard said. "He is a special talent that will fit extremely well in our program both on and off the court. His size, physicality and toughness in our system will be a great asset for our future. He also brings successful world wide basketball experience to our team from his time on New Zealand's national team that will be extremely valuable for a quick transition to the college game for him."
"We are looking forward to getting to work with Jackson when he gets to Madison next summer."
A 6-4 guard from Napier, New Zealand, Ball played with current Badger freshman Hayden Jones at the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup this past summer, leading New Zealand to a fourth-place finish, the country's best finish at the event. Ball averaged 9.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Ball also represented New Zealand at the 2024 FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U-16 Asian Championships. He was also selected to join the New Zealand senior team, becoming the third-youngest player in the country's history to suit up for the Tall Blacks program.
Ball is currently playing for the Illawarra Hawks in the National Basketball League in Australia as the 17-year old has suited up in three games for the Hawks.
Prior to his time with the Hawks, Ball averaged 20.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists last year with the Hawke's Bay Hawks in the New Zealand National Basketball League.
Ball joins LaTrevion Fenderson in UW's incoming freshman class.
