Imagine being the underdog, the one getting pushed around in practice, only to emerge as the leader two years later. That’s the story of Nolan Winter, the Wisconsin Badgers’ rising star who’s ready to carry the frontcourt torch forward. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player who was once outmatched truly become the mentor he’s now poised to be? Let’s dive in.
Nolan Winter’s journey from a freshman forward battling against the more seasoned Steven Crowl to becoming a key representative at Big Ten Media Days is nothing short of inspiring. Those grueling practice sessions, though tough at the time, laid the foundation for his growth. Now, Winter isn’t just a student of the game—he’s the teacher, ready to pass on the lessons that shaped him. And this is the part most people miss: Winter’s loyalty to Wisconsin runs deep. He’s not just a player; he’s a product of the program, molded by its values and invested in its future. Who better to represent Wisconsin basketball than someone who’s lived and breathed its culture since day one?
Staying in Madison was a no-brainer for Winter. ‘It was huge for me to stay at Wisconsin,’ he told Badgernotes. ‘The love and confidence they showed me from the start made it impossible to imagine being anywhere else.’ With teammates like John Blackwell and Jack Janicki, whom he considers brothers, Winter is determined to be the mentor Steven Crowl once was for him. ‘I want to show the younger guys the ropes and what it means to be a Badger,’ he added. The city, the fans, the brotherhood—it’s a package deal he couldn’t resist.
Winter’s decision to stay was more than personal; it was pivotal for the team. With the departure of veterans like John Tonje, Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit, Carter Gilmore, and Kamari McGee, Winter’s return provides a stabilizing force for Greg Gard’s roster. Last season, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds on 56.4% shooting, showcasing his versatility as a floor-stretching big man. His skill set aligns perfectly with Wisconsin’s evolving European-style ball-screen system, which emphasizes pace and spacing. But Winter’s rise wasn’t overnight.
As a freshman, he averaged just 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in limited minutes. By his sophomore year, however, he started all 37 games, led the team in rebounding (5.8 per game), and topped the Big Ten in 2-point percentage (71.5%). His breakout moments included a perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance in his first collegiate start and a career-high 20-point game against Butler. Winter’s efficiency is backed by numbers: he ranked in the 99th percentile nationally on post-ups and transition finishing, according to Synergy. These stats reflect both his talent and the role he was asked to play—maximizing every touch without carrying a heavy offensive load.
Now, with added muscle and more responsibility, Winter is poised to expand his impact. He’s a player who moves with purpose, creates angles with his feet, and thrives within the rhythm of the offense. Even in an era obsessed with versatility, Winter’s greatest strength is his self-awareness—he knows he’s a floor-stretching big man who excels at positioning and capitalizing on opportunities. His ability to stretch the floor as a 3-point threat, combined with enough athleticism to beat defenders off the dribble, makes him a unique fit for Wisconsin’s system.
But here’s the counterpoint: While Winter’s perimeter game has room to grow—his Synergy numbers dip when creating off the dribble—it’s more of a nitpick than a criticism. His role is to be a stretch big and a finisher, not a creator. Yet, his athleticism and skill suggest he could eventually expand that part of his game. In an offense built on space and movement, this could be his next area of growth.
Winter takes immense pride in his new mentor role, passing down the same physical battles and lessons Crowl once taught him. There’s a lineage in Wisconsin’s frontcourt that’s as much about mentorship as it is about production—a steady passing of the torch from Mike Wilkinson to Brian Butch, from Jon Leuer to Frank Kaminsky, and now from Crowl to Winter. Each generation learned from the one before it, understanding that being a Wisconsin big means more than just posting up and rebounding. It’s about accountability, toughness, and upholding a standard.
‘Steven taught me so much,’ Winter said. ‘He wasn’t a big talker, but by example, he showed me a lot. He made me better, and he made me who I am today.’ Now, Winter is paying it forward, working with freshmen like Will Garlock and Aleksas Bieliauskas, determined to be the mentor Crowl was for him. That’s the part fans don’t see—the through-line of Greg Gard’s philosophy: develop your own, retain your core, and pass it down.
Physical growth has been a major theme of Winter’s offseason, both literally and symbolically. Under strength coach Jim Schneider, he’s added muscle to absorb contact more effectively. Gard noted that Winter now weighs around 250 pounds, a testament to his physical transformation. This work has been paired with a focus on nutrition and maintaining strength throughout the season. ‘It adds the ability to be consistently dominant,’ Gard said. ‘You can’t go into a sledgehammer fight with a tack hammer.’
Defensively, Winter is ready to step into Crowl’s shoes. ‘I understand my role there will probably be a little bigger,’ he said. ‘This offseason was huge for me in the weight room, and I’m looking forward to holding my own.’ The Synergy data supports his confidence—he already defends the post at a high level (85th percentile). The challenge now is improving when pulled away from the rim, but in Wisconsin’s structured system, that development curve looks manageable.
Offensively, Winter’s game mirrors the evolution of Wisconsin basketball itself: a blend of old-school discipline and modern spacing. He can trail in transition, pick-and-pop from the top of the key, or back down smaller defenders. This versatility gives Gard the flexibility to play faster without losing identity. Winter’s enthusiasm for the team’s potential is palpable. ‘We’re going to be a very fun team to watch,’ he said. ‘We’ve got the talent to score even more points and make a deep run.’
Winter also acknowledged the impact of Kirk Penney and the new energy Brad Davison brings to the program. ‘We’ll miss Kirk, but Brad’s energy is good for us,’ he said. ‘It’s a mix of continuity and change, and I’m excited to be part of it.’
Winter isn’t trying to be Steven Crowl—he’s trying to extend the lineage, become a focal point, and be the connective piece between eras. The Big Ten will test that evolution soon enough, but one thing is clear: Winter knows the foundation he’s standing on. And that’s what makes him the perfect player to carry Wisconsin’s frontcourt tradition forward.
Thought-provoking question: As Winter steps into this new role, can he truly balance being a mentor while also elevating his own game to new heights? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
