Picture this: a young basketball player who once got pummeled in practice by a seasoned veteran, only to emerge as the guiding force for a legendary program's frontcourt. Nolan Winter's story isn't just inspiring—it's the heartbeat of Wisconsin basketball's enduring legacy. Ready to dive into how one player is bridging eras and sparking debates about mentorship in college hoops?
Just two seasons back, Nolan Winter was the underdog in daily drills. As a freshman from Lakeville North High School, he clashed repeatedly with fellow Minnesotan Steven Crowl, who towered over him in strength and know-how. Those grueling sessions, though challenging then, laid the groundwork for Winter's standout moment at Big Ten Media Days this year. For context, Big Ten Media Days is an annual event where teams gather to showcase players and strategies, often highlighting rising stars before the season kicks off. No more just absorbing lessons, Winter has evolved into the mentor, eager to impart the wisdom that once shaped him.
This deep-seated commitment resonates profoundly with Winter. He's the epitome of the Wisconsin program—forged by its principles and dedicated to its continuity. After all, who could embody Badger basketball better than someone who's embraced its ethos from his very first day on campus?
That's precisely why remaining in Madison felt so vital to him.
'It meant the world to me to stay at Wisconsin,' Winter shared with Badgernotes. 'From the instant I arrived, the coaches and team showed me incredible support and trust. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. With guys like John Blackwell returning and Jack Janicki around, they're like family to me. I wanted to mirror Steven Crowl's guidance for the rookies, teaching them the Badger way. Plus, the city and the passionate fans made it tough to turn down. I'm overjoyed to be back.'
This choice is pivotal. The Badgers waved goodbye to key veterans including John Tonje, Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit, Carter Gilmore, and Kamari McGee during the offseason. Winter's comeback provides Greg Gard's squad with a stabilizing anchor in the frontcourt, a position that's central to their offensive strategy. Think of it as the glue holding everything together in a fast-paced system.
In the previous campaign, Winter delivered 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting 56.4% overall and 35.8% from three-point range. His skills align seamlessly with Wisconsin's modern European-inspired ball-screen setup, which emphasizes speed, space, and fluid movement—allowing players to cut and screen without rigid positions, much like how teams in Europe prioritize adaptability over traditional roles. At this stage, it's evident how effortlessly he slots in.
Winter's ascent to a key role didn't occur instantaneously.
As a true freshman, he managed just 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in about 9.4 minutes across 36 games. But by his junior year (wait, sophomore season), he started every contest, leading the team in rebounds (5.8 per game) and ranking tops in the Big Ten for two-point shooting (71.5%). That year featured standout performances, like nailing 6-for-6 from the field for 15 points in his first collegiate start, a personal-best 20 points against Butler, and snagging 17 rebounds in a clash with Michigan State.
His effectiveness isn't just hearsay—it's backed by data. Per Synergy Sports, a tool that breaks down player actions in detail, Winter excelled as a big man despite limited opportunities. He hit the 99th percentile nationally in post-ups (situations where a player backs down an opponent near the basket for a shot), 91st in putbacks (grabbing missed shots and scoring immediately), 93rd in cuts (quick movements to the basket for easy layups), 76th as a spot-up shooter (catching passes and shooting from beyond the arc), 99th in transition (fast-break opportunities), and 53rd in short rolls (screening plays near the basket). For beginners, think of these as specialized basketball moves where Winter showed elite efficiency.
These stats underscore his talent and his sophomore-year role behind veterans. He didn't shoulder a huge scoring burden last season but maximized every chance, opting for smart plays that fit the team's style. While replicating those top-percentile numbers in a more prominent role might be unrealistic, his offseason gains in the gym—building strength for better rim finishes—should help. The competitive fire was always there, and with extra muscle and duties at center, he's equipped to broaden his influence beyond what he achieved last year.
Winter doesn't squander opportunities. He moves deliberately, creates shooting angles with precise footwork, and syncs with the offense's tempo. In a basketball world fixated on 'positionless' versatility—where players switch roles fluidly—Winter's standout trait is self-awareness: a big man who stretches the floor with three-point shooting and has the agility to drive past defenders who overcommit. This makes him ideal for Wisconsin's spacing-focused attack, where open shots and quick transitions are key.
That said, his perimeter game could use polishing. When handling the ball in pick-and-rolls or creating off dribbles, his Synergy rankings drop to the 15th percentile as a ball-handler and below average in off-screen actions. But let's not nitpick—this is an area for growth, not fault. His primary function is as a stretch big and reliable finisher, though his athleticism suggests he could develop creating skills over time. In a system reliant on space and movement, this might be his next frontier.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Winter truly ready to fill Crowl's massive shoes, or is the pressure of mentoring the next generation too much too soon? Some fans argue that forcing young players into these roles skips natural development, while others see it as a noble tradition. You decide!
Winter takes immense pride in stepping into that guiding role, much like Crowl did for him.
The same intense practice battles that once humbled Winter are now the lessons he's relaying to newcomers like Will Garlock and Aleksas Bieliauskas, plus sophomores Austin Rapp and Riccardo Greppi.
Wisconsin's frontcourt boasts a rich history of mentorship intertwined with performance. It's a relay of knowledge spanning decades: from Mike Wilkinson to Brian Butch, Butch to Jon Leuer, Leuer to Jared Berggren, Berggren to Frank Kaminsky, Kaminsky to Ethan Happ, Happ to Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter, then to Steven Crowl, and now Nolan Winter.
Each era learns from the last—the right footwork, optimal positioning, patient play, and the understanding that a Wisconsin big embodies more than just scoring and rebounding. It's a brotherhood of responsibility, grit, and upholding excellence. Winter, having apprenticed under Crowl last year, is set to continue this chain of leadership.
'Steven taught me invaluable lessons,' Winter told Badgernotes. 'He wasn't overly vocal—just a quiet giant—but his actions spoke volumes. He'd challenge me relentlessly in practice, pushing me to improve through sheer physicality. That's who molded me. So, to turn around and mentor guys like Will Garlock, Aleksas Bieliauskas, and others by being the Steven Crowl they need, it's my way of honoring him. I want to keep this tradition alive.'
And this is the part most people miss: Behind the scenes, Winter, once the target of tough love, is now sculpting the future generation. It's the essence of Gard's approach—nurture your talent, retain the core, and pass the wisdom down. This is what sustains Wisconsin's dependable frontcourt.
Winter's offseason has emphasized physical maturation, both literally and figuratively.
Under strength coach Jim Schneider, he's packed on muscle, focusing on durability to handle contact and finish strongly. Gard noted that the 7-foot Winter now tips the scales around 250 pounds, a clear sign of his progress.
This gym work pairs with better nutrition to maintain weight and energy throughout the season. It's a maturity that shows in his on-court presence.
'It boosts his ability to dominate consistently,' Gard explained. 'You need the right tool for the job—you can't win a heavyweight battle with lightweight gear. He's added quality mass, and I've seen him initiate contact at the rim more aggressively. The trick is keeping that weight without depleting energy, so nutrition, hydration, rest, and long-term habits are crucial.'
This power will be crucial defensively. When discussing stepping into Crowl's defensive shoes, Winter was straightforward.
'I know my defensive responsibilities will expand,' he said. 'The offseason gym work helped me build muscle to stand firm down low. I've progressed well, and I'm excited to take on that challenge.'
Synergy data supports optimism: He defends the post effectively (85th percentile), thanks to smart positioning and control. The hurdles lie in perimeter defense, like isolations (13th percentile) and transitions (14th percentile). Yet, in Wisconsin's structured system that relies on teamwork and communication, this growth seems feasible, particularly with bench depth from younger players to spell him.
Offensively, Winter's style reflects the program's evolution: blending classic fundamentals with contemporary spacing.
He excels in trailing on fast breaks, popping from screens at the top of the key, or backing down defenders in slower paces. This versatility lets Gard vary the tempo while staying true to identity. Winter's outlook is enthusiastic.
'Our squad has huge upside,' he said. 'The transfers bring elite talent, and with returners like me, John Blackwell, Jack Janicki, Riccardo Greppi, and others, it'll be exciting to watch. We scored big last year, and I think we can push even higher. Expect a blistering pace and a deep playoff run—it's going to be an enjoyable season.'
He also reflected fondly on Kirk Penney's contributions and the fresh vibe from new assistant Brad Davison.
'We'll miss Kirk dearly,' Winter noted. 'He was a basketball savant, and knowing him personally, he's a great guy. The staff is younger now with Brad, who's injecting high energy—maybe a bit wild, but in a good way. He even battles guards one-on-one, sharpening them up. We'll keep in touch with KP for advice when needed.'
This blend of tradition and innovation defines Wisconsin basketball today, with Winter at its core—uniting past and present.
Winter isn't aiming to copy Crowl; he's extending the legacy, becoming a central figure, and preserving the program's soul amid change.
The Big Ten will soon test this transformation. From his words, Winter grasps the strong foundation beneath him.
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What do you think—can Nolan Winter truly carry forward Wisconsin's frontcourt torch without controversy, or is the mentorship model outdated in modern college basketball? Do you agree with his growth trajectory, or see potential pitfalls? Share your opinions in the comments and let's discuss!
