The Milwaukee Bucks continue to limp their way through the month of January and, as expected, it hasn’t been easy to watch.

However, somewhere in the not-so-distant future, the playoff-bound Bucks might look back at this point in the season as a blessing in disguise. Granted, it’s a very good disguise.

At first glance, it seems ridiculous to find any positives in what has been one of the worst stretches of basketball in Bucks history. Look a little closer and you’ll find that although the Bucks aren’t picking up too many wins, they’re fledgling players are picking up plenty of experience.

It might seem like nothing now, but the experience gained by players who typically find themselves riding the end of the bench will come in handy when Milwaukee gets healthy. Correction: If Milwaukee gets healthy.

Charlie Villanueva and Mo Williams will be back soon to provide some relief to the injury-riddled roster, but for the time being, backups of backups are enjoying some quality minutes.

Here’s a look at how they’ve progressed individually so far:

Ersan Ilyasova: Ilyasova has been so Ilyasogood during the absence of four starting teammates. After a shaky start to his NBA career, Ersan has been gaining confidence in his play — and so have his coaches and teammates.

The 6-foot-9 forward has been using his big frame to drive to the hoop and has become a valid threat from three-point range. At 19, he may be younger than most of the students at UWM, but he’s learning much quicker than most of them as well.

Charlie Bell: Bucks fans caught a glimpse of what Bell could do last year when he came off the bench, but he hasn’t really made the most of his temporary promotion to the starting five.

Bell’s been about as consistent as Wisconsin weather in his role as a starter. He has a great shot and the ability to change the momentum of a game with his long range, but he’s a much bigger weapon coming off the bench.

David Noel: After finally “earning” some playing time, Noel has been somewhat of a disappointment. The rookie looks like he’s having trouble adjusting to the pro game and hasn’t been shooting well so far. That being said, he’s a hard worker and will be able to improve his game based on his brief appearances this year.

Lynn Greer: He’s definitely not the second coming of Charlie Bell like the Bucks hoped he’d be when they claimed him from overseas, but he seems to suck a little less each game, and there’s nowhere to go but up from here.

Julius Hodge and Damir Markota: Neither of these guys have seen a whole lot of game action, but I’m sure they’re at least getting more reps in practice due to injuries. Maybe.

Clearly, the Fountain of Youth resides in Milwaukee, and the fawn-like Bucks are happy to be honing their skills during an otherwise depressing time for the franchise.

All the Bucks have to do now is find the Fountain of Health.

> Comments