Wisconsin forward Mike Bruesewitz out 4-6 weeks with leg injury

Mike Bruesewitz's absence could open the door for star freshman Sam Dekker to make an impact. (US Presswire)

Wisconsin started the same frontcourt for all 36 games last season, but the Badgers might need to find a new combination for the first couple weeks of the campaign.

Forward Mike Bruesewitz will miss four to six weeks after suffering a leg laceration during practice Tuesday, the school announced. He underwent successful surgery Tuesday evening and has begun to rehab his right leg.

Bruesewitz, a 6-foot-6 senior, averaged 5.6 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. At his best, Bruesewitz is a guy who does a little bit of everything and can also step out and knock down shots. He made two 3-pointers and scored 10 points in a Round of 32 win over Vanderbilt in the NCAA tournament.

Bo Ryan is still deep up front. Jared Berggren and Ryan Evans are both returning as starters, and star freshman Sam Dekker is sure to make an impact. Moreover, sophomore Frank Kaminsky showed some inside-outside offensive game last season.

The Badgers open the season Nov. 11 against Southeastern Louisiana but head to Florida for a tough nonconference test Nov. 14. Bruesewitz's availability could be in question for that game.