MADISON, Wis. --- When COVID happened, Austin Rapp was a self-described 6'2 chubby basketball player. Fast forward two years after the lockdown in Australia, and Austin emerged as a 6'8 Division 1 basketball prospect — a transformation that few could have predicted.

Now a sophomore forward for the Wisconsin Men's Basketball team, Austin's journey is a story of dedication, growth, and full-circle destiny. What makes his path even more special is that he never could have imagined playing for the very school he grew up watching on TV.

Growing up in Melbourne, Austin looked up to players like Frank Kaminsky and his Wisconsin team during their memorable Final Four run when they defeated Kentucky. He recalls watching that game on an airplane with his dad, following every move with awe and admi

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