Wisconsin squeaked by Washington in their first game of the NCAA Tournament, beating the Huskies 85-82. And while it certainly wasn't the cleanest game, the Badgers are moving on the face Illinois. The big question, though, is will Wisconsin see the return of Nolan Winter?
Winter has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, and despite going 2-0 in those contests, it's clear the Badgers have missed him, especially on the defensive glass. And while Winter was spotted without a walking boot on the sidelines, head coach Greg Gard hasn't yet heard if Winter will be able to go in the Big Ten Tournament, or if Winter will be held out of it completely.
“It’s a balance,” Gard said after Thursday's win. “That’s a lot in our trainer’s hands. He’s made big jumps here every day. Just evaluate how he is each day and make a determination on where he’s at and what can be done.”
"I don't know. I mean, I'm not a doctor," Gard continued. "I'd be lying to if you gave you an estimation, because I don't have one."
Wisconsin could end up holding Nolan Winter out of the Big Ten Tourney, but he's been sorely missed already
If Winter can't go against Illinois, the Badgers will have to find other ways to keep the Illini off the boards. In the two games he's missed for Wisconsin, the Badgers have been outrebounded 79 to 51. Still, there may be some value in making sure he's closer to 100% for the NCAA Tournament, although it doesn't seem like Gard will be taking his foot off the gas anytime soon.
"Well, they're keeping score, right?" Gard said in regards to going for it all in the Big Ten Tournament. "They are keeping score, and there is a trophy at the end of the road. So, long as they are keeping score, we are gonna compete."
Wisconsin will take on Illinoi Friday at 2:30 PM on Big Ten Network.