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Many high school basketball standouts in Wisconsin go on to big things at the college level and in the pros, and this is our spot to recognize those athletes each week and help you keep up with what is going down on some of your favorite players from the past. If you have alumni news, please send it to Colton Wilson by 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The talent of basketball players coming out of the state has only increased over the years, apparent by the number of players suiting up at the next level from Wisconsin.

Twelve former Wisconsin high school standouts will suit up for an NBA squad this year. Of those twelve, ten of them have entered the NBA in the last four years. Seven of the twelve are first round picks.

The following is a preview of those twelve alumni playing at the highest level of basketball in the world.

Matthews is the elder statesman of the group of players in the NBA this season. The Madison Memorial grad is entering his 13th season in the NBA, and his second year of his second stint with the home state Bucks. The 2005 Wisconsin Mr. Basketball has played for seven different teams over the course of his career and recorded 10,921 points, 2,591 rebounds, 1,786 assists and 889 steals. Matthews will serve as a role player and spot starter for the NBA title contending Bucks in this, his thirteenth season.

Herro has done nothing but prove people wrong since his decision to go to Kentucky out of high school. The Whitnall grad was a standout freshman at the blue blood program and left after a stellar freshman season. He was then selected 13th overall in the 2019 draft by the Miami Heat. In his third season last year, Herro averaged 20.7 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while coming off the bench. He was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and earned himself a payday. Earlier this month, Herro inked a four year, $130 million extension with the Heat. Whether he takes over a starting spot or continues to be one of the best off the bench, Herro will be one of the best players on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season.

Haliburton was taken twelfth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacremento and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. It seemed the Oshkosh North grad was a key piece for the lowly Kings future. A surprise trade to the Indiana Pacers midway last season seemed odd. All that Haliburton did, was continue to prove himself efficient, just on a new team. He averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 assists and 4 rebounds per game last year in his third season. Just 22 years old, he is one of the next top point guards in the league.

Hauser went un-drafted in the 2021 draft, but was picked up by the eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. A Stevens Point grad, Hauser didn't see much playing time in his rookie season for a Celtic team that was loaded from top to bottom with experienced talent. In his second season, Hauser may struggle once again to see much playing time for a team that brought in wing help via free agency. However the experience and knowledge gained this season should be of a great value to Hauser.

Johnson was one of the most highly touted recruits to ever come out of the state of Wisconsin. Despite spending a year outside of the state at IMG Prep Academy, Johnson graduated from Nicolet before heading to play collegiately at Duke. Declaring for the NBA draft after his freshman season, he was taken 20th overall by the Hawks. He struggled to see playing time in a Hawks rotation that was loaded at the wing/forward position. This season, Johnson could benefit from a less crowded rotation and see his role on the team increase.

Davis shot up draft boards over the past two seasons while at Wisconsin and is the highest drafted player currently in the NBA from the state. Taken tenth overall this past June, the 2020 Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and La Crosse Central grad enters his rookie year with high expectations. Davis will have the opportunity to play alongside one of the best scorers in the NBA in Bradley Beal. Davis's combination of pure athleticism and the ability to make tough contested shots fit in today's style of play in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo was the last pick of the 2018 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. The Dominican High School alum was waived and eventually picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers where he would get a ring for the 2020 NBA Championship. After spending a year playing for the LDLC ASVEL in the Euroleague, Kostas returns to the NBA on a two-way contract with the Bulls.

Williams was one of the breakout stars of the NCAA basketball season last year. The Milwaukee Riverside grad had transferred from Oklahoma to Wake Forest before last season. He dominated ACC play and was named the ACC Player of the Year. Williams went undrafted in this year's NBA draft, but was picked up by the Brooklyn Nets on a two-way contract. The former Tiger will more than likely spend a majority of his rookie season in the G-League but can gain a plethora of experience in a Nets organization that has Kevin Durant, Steve Nash and Kyrie Irving.

Looney is the first and oldest of a trio of former Wisconsin high school standouts to play for the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. A grinder for the Warriors for the past seven seasons, the Milwaukee Hamilton alum was awarded with a three year, $25.5 million contract in July. The 2015 first round pick has recorded 1,721 points, 1,750 rebounds and 206 blocks in his career. Expect Looney to continue to be a steadying force for Warriors in their attempt to repeat as NBA Champions.

Baldwin Jr. is the newest of the trio to suit up for the Golden State Warriors. Taken with the 28th pick in the first round of this past June's draft, the former Sussex Hamilton grad joins a loaded Warriors roster.. Baldwin Jr. was one of the highest rated recruits ever to come out of Wisconsin and committed to play for his father at UW-Milwaukee. Injuries plagued and derailed his freshman year and he chose to enter the NBA draft instead of return for a sophomore season. Baldwin Jr. may struggle to crack the rotation, but with is combination of size and skill, his NBA future is bright.

Poole didn't graduate from a Wisconsin high school but he did spend three seasons at Milwaukee King before transferring to La Lumiere. After his sophomore season at Michigan, he declared for the NBA Draft and was taken 28th overall by the Warriors in the 2019 draft. Like Looney and Baldwin Jr., Poole is on the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors and was a key player on the squad last season. After injuries plagued the Warriors, Poole stepped into a bigger role and shined. He averaged 18.5 points, 4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, providing an already loaded Warriors team with another weapon. Just three days ago, Poole was signed to a four-year, $140 million dollar extension.

Like Poole, Foster Jr. did not graduate from a Wisconsin high school. He transferred out of state from Milwaukee Washington after his sophomore season. After two years at Hillcrest Prep, Foster Jr. chose to forego college and play for the G-League Ignite team last year. Despite going undrafted in this past year's draft, Foster Jr. was signed quickly by the 76ers to a two-way contract. Like Johnson before, the combination of size and skill make Foster Jr. a fit in the NBA.