Wisconsin Badgers down only one rotation player for NCAA Tournament opener against High Point The University of Wisconsin will enter its NCAA Tournament opener with just one key rotation player missing as it prepares to face 12th-seeded High Point. Reserve guard Jack Janicki, sidelined due to wrist surgery, is expected to miss the game, while junior center Nolan Winter has been cleared to play after a full week of practice. Winter, who missed the final regular-season game and all three Big Ten Tournament contests, participated in Wisconsin’s open practice at the Moda Center on Wednesday, showing no signs of limitation. Winter’s return is critical for the Badgers, as he has been a dominant force in scoring and rebounding. The team’s leading rebounder with an average of 8.6 boards per game, Winter ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rebounding and has recorded double-doubles in 25 of his 30 contests this season. His scoring contributions are equally notable, with 13.3 points per game and a 69.9% shooting percentage from two-point range, which places him 10th nationally among players with at least 200 field goal attempts. No Big Ten player has matched his efficiency since the 1986-87 season. Winter’s performance has also earned him a spot among the league’s top performers, as he ranks second in the Big Ten with 12 double-doubles. He joins a select group of Badgers in the past 25 years to achieve at least 10 double-doubles in a season, alongside All-Americans Ethan Happ and Frank Kaminsky. Despite his success, Winter has limited NCAA Tournament experience, having played three games in previous tournaments and averaging 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.0 block in 19.0 minutes per game. Sophomore Austin Rapp has stepped into Winter’s starting role, providing reliable contributions.#high_point #ncaa_tournament #university_of_wisconsin #austin_rapp #nolan_winter
NCAA Tournament Status Update for Wisconsin Forward Nolan Winter Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter has shared an update regarding his status ahead of the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament, sparking anticipation among fans. The junior missed the entire Big Ten Tournament, a decision that may have influenced Wisconsin’s last-second defeat to Michigan in the semifinals. Despite the team’s reliance on Austin Rapp for key contributions, the loss by three points left fans wondering how the outcome might have changed if Winter had been available. Winter’s absence forced the Badgers to depend heavily on their 3-point shooting, a strategy that has been a staple of their offense this season. Nick Boyd and John Blackwell have led the way with their perimeter scoring, but the team’s reliance on long-range shots raised questions about their depth and adaptability. Winter’s return could provide a significant boost, particularly in the tournament’s high-stakes environment. On Monday, Winter posted a series of images on Instagram with the caption “go time,” signaling his readiness to compete. Coach Greg Gard had previously indicated that Winter would be back in time for March Madness, and the forward’s social media update appears to confirm that timeline. His return is seen as a critical factor for Wisconsin’s chances in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the setback in the Big Ten Tournament, Wisconsin secured a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a testament to the team’s overall performance. However, the selection comes with a challenging first-round matchup. Winter’s physicality and ability to alter games on the defensive end are expected to play a pivotal role in navigating the tournament’s early rounds. The Minnesota native last played on March 4 against Maryland, where he recorded seven points and six rebounds.#ncaa_tournament #austin_rapp #nolan_winter #wisconsin_badgers #nick_boyd
Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Set for Big Ten Tournament Debut The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team is preparing to compete in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament, set to begin on March 10 at the United Center in Chicago. The Badgers, seeded No. 5 in the tournament, will face either Washington or USC in the opening game on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. CT. This marks the team’s fourth appearance in the tournament as a No. 5 seed, following previous runs to the Big Ten title game in 2024 and 2025. Wisconsin’s path to the tournament included a strong regular-season performance, finishing with a 22-9 record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. The team’s success was highlighted by victories over three top-10 opponents, including wins at No. 2 Michigan, No. 8 Illinois, and No. 10 Michigan State. Additionally, the Badgers secured three top-25 road wins, a feat achieved for the third time in school history under head coach Greg Gard. The team’s recent game against No. 15 Purdue on March 5 was a standout performance, with Wisconsin defeating the Boilermakers 97-93. The Badgers hit a season-high 18 three-pointers, with Austin Rapp and Aleksas Bieuliauksas combining for eight three-pointers. John Blackwell led the team with 25 points, including five three-pointers, while Nick Boyd added 23 points and 5 assists. The win solidified Wisconsin’s No. 5 seed in the tournament. Key players earned recognition for their contributions. Nick Boyd was named to the second-team All-Big Ten after averaging 20.1 points per game, while John Blackwell earned third-team honors with a career-high 18.3 points per game. Sharif Chambliss was also honored as the Howard Moore Assistant Coach of the Year for his work in developing student-athletes. Wisconsin’s tournament seeding is bolstered by its rankings, including No.#big_ten_tournament #university_of_wisconsin #united_center #austin_rapp #aleksas_bieuliauksas
