Imagine being the underdog, constantly pushed to your limits by a more experienced rival. That was Nolan Winter’s reality just two years ago, as he battled fellow Minnesota native Steven Crowl in grueling practices. But here’s where it gets inspiring: those tough lessons have transformed Winter into the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s basketball frontcourt, ready to carry forward a tradition steeped in mentorship and excellence. Now, as he steps into the spotlight, Winter isn’t just a player—he’s a bridge between eras, embodying the program’s values while shaping its future.
Winter’s journey from being the bullied freshman to becoming a team leader is a testament to his resilience and loyalty. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about his stats or skills; it’s about the lineage he’s now a part of. From Mike Wilkinson to Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin’s frontcourt has always been about passing the torch, and Winter is next in line. But can he truly fill the shoes of legends like Crowl while carving out his own legacy? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Winter’s decision to stay in Madison wasn’t just about basketball—it was personal. ‘It was huge for me to stay at Wisconsin,’ he told Badgernotes. ‘With John Blackwell and Jack Janicki, those are my brothers. I just wanted to be that Steven Crowl for these younger guys.’ His commitment comes at a critical time, as the Badgers lost key veterans like John Tonje and Crowl. Winter’s return provides stability, especially in Wisconsin’s evolving European-style offense, which thrives on pace and spacing. Last season, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds on 56.4% shooting, proving he’s more than ready for the spotlight.
But Winter’s rise wasn’t overnight. As a freshman, he averaged just 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Fast forward to his sophomore year, and he started all 37 games, led the team in rebounding, and topped the Big Ten in 2-point percentage (71.5%). His efficiency is staggering—ranking in the 99th percentile nationally on post-ups and transition finishing, according to Synergy. Yet, here’s the controversial part: while Winter excels as a floor-stretching big man, his perimeter game still needs work. Can he expand his skillset to become a more versatile threat? Or is his role as a finisher enough to keep Wisconsin competitive?
Winter’s physical transformation this offseason is undeniable. Under strength coach Jim Schneider, he’s added muscle, now weighing around 250 pounds. This isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about dominating the paint. ‘You can’t go into a sledgehammer fight with a tack hammer,’ Coach Greg Gard noted. But here’s the real question: will this added strength translate to defensive dominance? While Winter defends the post well (85th percentile), his isolation and transition defense lag behind. Can he step up to replace Crowl’s defensive presence, or will Wisconsin’s younger frontcourt players need to step in?
Offensively, Winter embodies Wisconsin’s blend of old-school discipline and modern spacing. He can trail in transition, pick-and-pop, or back down smaller defenders—a versatility that gives Gard tactical flexibility. Yet, his role as a mentor might be his most impactful contribution. Winter is now teaching freshmen like Will Garlock and Aleksas Bieliauskas the same lessons Crowl taught him. It’s a full-circle moment, but here’s the debate: can Winter balance being a focal point on the court while also being the team’s emotional leader?
As Wisconsin basketball navigates a mix of continuity and change, Winter stands at the center. He’s not trying to be Crowl—he’s trying to extend the legacy. But as the Big Ten season approaches, the pressure is on. Can Winter lead the Badgers to a deep run while upholding the program’s standards? Only time will tell. What do you think? Can Winter live up to the hype, or is the expectation too much for one player to carry? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
