Can a Former Wisconsin Basketball Big Man Find Footing in the NBA During the 2025-26 Season?

For Crowl, the big-man has fallen into an unfortunate setting where the center needs to prove himself in order to earn a G-League roster spot or a spot with the Utah Jazz. Currently, the big-man has barely been used and other forwards have found playing time over Crowl, which is not a good sign for the former Wisconsin basketball athlete.

Can Former Wisconsin Basketball Center Steven Crowl Make the NBA, G-League?

While limited time on the court does not necessarily mean Crowl is a favorite to miss the roster, a crowded room, limited minutes to go around, and a new experiment are likely what will really lead to the big-man playing elsewhere.

The Utah Jazz previously entered and exited the draft with a mentality of “find the best shooters possible” which resulted in the exhibit 10 signing of Crowl. The Wisconsin basketball center shot 41.6% from long-range and 53.9% from within the arc but still went undrafted due to other issues surrounding his game. The Jazz love the offensive potential of Crowl enough to offer a deal, but Crowl is one of many players who was brought in to solve the offensive issues of the Jazz thus adding plenty of competition.

Crowl has been given a chance to make the Jazz roster, or alternatively play with the G-League affiliate for a bonus. The dream of making the NBA will likely be put on hold for at least a year as Crowl will need to focus on developing fully. The Jazz have experimented with adding in plenty of young, capable offensive and missing out on summer play could be a result of too crowded of a room.

While the NBA may seem like it is ruled out for the time being due to the lack of playing time Crowl has received, a year of development could be what the center ultimately needs.