Fond du Lac Boys Basketball: A New Era Under Coach Josh Dilling

The Fond du Lac boys basketball program enters the 2025–26 season at a crossroads. After a thrilling run to the sectional round last year under former head coach Nick Ford, the Cardinals now face the challenge of replacing two of their most dynamic players—Eli Zimmerman, Eli Braatz and Marvin Haslett—while adjusting to new leadership in Coach Josh Dilling.

Key Storylines:

• Loss of star power: Zimmerman, Braatz and Haslett were the heart of last year’s squad, combining scoring ability with leadership. Their graduation leaves a major void in both production and experience.
• New leadership: Josh Dilling, a respected figure in Wisconsin basketball circles, takes over the program. His coaching style emphasizes pace, discipline, and player development, aiming to build on the momentum Ford established.
• Sectional success: Last year’s deep playoff run proved Fond du Lac can compete in the Fox Valley Association. The challenge now is sustaining that success with a younger, less experienced roster.
• Emerging talent: Several underclassmen who played supporting roles last season will now be asked to step into bigger roles. Their growth will determine how quickly the Cardinals can reload.
• Culture shift: Dilling inherits a program with high expectations. His task is not just tactical but cultural—instilling confidence in a team that lost its leaders but still has the hunger to win.

Fond du Lac basketball is entering a transitional season, but not necessarily a rebuilding one. The sectional run last year raised the program’s profile, and while the loss of Zimmerman and Braatz is significant, the arrival of Coach Dilling signals a fresh chapter. If the younger players can rise to the occasion, the Cardinals could remain a dangerous team in the Fox Valley Association.

The question isn’t whether Fond du Lac can compete—it’s how quickly they can adapt to new leadership and new roles.

Fond du Lac opens up the 2025-2026 campaign on Tuesday December 2nd against Waunakee 6:45pm the pre-game on KFIZ. Chuck Freimund, Nick Van Nocker and Shawn Kiser will have all the coverage the season.

KFIZ Sports Director Chuck Freimund visited with Coach Dilling on KFIZ Sportsnight.