#nolan_winter

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's Nolan Winter gives injury update before NCAA Tournament Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter is expected to return from an ankle injury ahead of the Badgers’ NCAA Tournament matchup against High Point in the first round. Coach Greg Gard confirmed on March 18 that Winter is likely to be available for the game, citing his full participation in practice the day before. “He was full-go yesterday in practice. I assume he’ll be the same today,” Gard said during a press conference in Portland. Winter, who has been working his way back to full health, described his progress as incremental. “Every day I do a little bit more and a little bit more,” he said in the UW locker room before an open practice. “And I think every morning, I’ve responded pretty well to what I did the day before. So we’re getting there for sure.” Winter’s absence began after he suffered an ankle injury during Wisconsin’s 78-45 victory over Maryland on March 4. This marked the first time in his college career that he missed a game, as he had previously played in every contest during his freshman and sophomore seasons. The seven-foot forward, who averaged 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game during his junior season, has been a key contributor for the Badgers. Despite his absence, Wisconsin maintained its strong performance, going 3-1 in the absence of Winter. The team secured notable wins over then-No. 14 Purdue and then-No. 9 Illinois, showcasing their resilience. The Badgers, currently ranked No. 20 in the USA TODAY coaches poll, have navigated the season with confidence. Winter expressed frustration at missing the action but acknowledged the team’s success. “Seeing how much fun it was out there and for me to not be out there – it sucked,” he said. “I was itching to get back out there, watching them.#high_point #wisconsin #ncaa_tournament #nolan_winter #greg_gard

Maryland men’s basketball at Wisconsin preview The Maryland Terrapins aim to recover from a recent loss to Rutgers by facing Wisconsin, a team on a strong upward trajectory. With just two games left in the season, Maryland’s struggles in Big Ten play have intensified, leaving them tied with the 1992-93 team for the most conference losses in program history. A loss to Wisconsin could push them closer to breaking that record. Wisconsin, meanwhile, is positioned for a strong March Madness run, having won five of its last six games. Key victories over ranked opponents like Illinois and Michigan State highlight their momentum, despite a recent setback against Oregon. The Badgers are playing at their peak as the season approaches its critical phase. The matchup is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m., televised on Fox Sports 1. Wisconsin enters the game with a 20-9 record and a 12-6 mark in the Big Ten. Head coach Greg Gard, in his 11th season, has led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including Sweet 16 runs. His coaching legacy includes two Big Ten regular-season titles and two Coach of the Year awards. Gard’s focus on ball security has paid off, as Wisconsin ranks fifth in the conference with the fewest turnovers and a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. The Badgers’ offensive strengths include sharpshooting from beyond the arc, where they rank sixth in the Big Ten at 35.5% from three-point range. However, their efficiency inside the paint remains a challenge, which could be an area for Maryland to exploit. Key players for Wisconsin include senior guard Nick Boyd, who averages 20.3 points and 115 assists per game, and junior forward Nolan Winter, a 7-foot center leading the team in rebounds and blocks.#nolan_winter #greg_gard #wisconsin_badgers #nick_boyd #maryland_terrapsins