Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire

Wisconsin basketball is among five finalists to land Portland transfer forward Austin Rapp.

On3’s Joe Tipton released the list on Tuesday evening: Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Clemson and Oregon.

Rapp entered the portal after a standout freshman season at Portland. His campaign included averages of 33 minutes, 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks on 39.7% shooting and 35.2% from 3. He received the West Coast Conference freshman of the Year honor.

He was one of the few bright spots on a Portland team that finished 12-20 and ranked No. 270 in KenPom.

The 6-foot, 10-inch forward shouldn’t have much trouble fitting into Wisconsin’s offense, if he commits.

The Badgers lost veteran center Steven Crowl (25.6 minutes, 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game on 54% shooting, 41% from 3) to graduation after the 2024-25 season.

Rapp could fill that starting role, possibly providing an even better 3-point threat.

The transfer forward led the WCC in 3-point attempts (236), makes (83) and percentage (35.2%) in 2024-25.

While the Big Ten would be a step up in competition, his game and shooting profile would greatly aid coach Greg Gard and his new-look offensive approach.

While no clear front-runner has emerged, Wisconsin recently hosted Rapp on an official visit.

It’s clear he’s one of the program’s top targets at this stage of the transfer cycle.

Of note, Michigan landed a commitment from Illinois transfer forward Morez Johnson Jr. on Tuesday evening.

That news followed Tipton’s release of Rapp’s top-five list. The Wolverines may still pursue both players, however, given each just concluded his freshman season it seems unlikely.

Bookmark our transfer interest tracker for more on Wisconsin’s top targets.