Nolan Winter has become a star in his junior season, and after Ball State, he's already had two double-doubles through three games in this early season. The double-double tonight against the Cardinals came in only 20 minutes of play, as the Badgers had the game in hand the entire time. The best part of Winter's performance, head coach Greg Gard said, is that "He's not anywhere near where he can be."
This quote should get fans excited as the forward continues to grow and become better and better. The game against Ball State this evening was a good example of it. Look at the stats he compiled in limited minutes.
When Nolan Winter had a double-double against Campbell, Greg Gard said Winter could've gotten five more boards. Tonight, Gard said there were more plays Winter could've made. That's not a criticism, though.
— Cam Wilhorn (@CamWilhorn) November 12, 2025
“He’s not anywhere near where he can be. And that’s the exciting part."
Nolan Winter already has 2 double-doubles in three games for the Wisconsin Badgers
Related: Greg Gard: Happy with Wisconsin win over N. Illinois, describes 1 thing to clean up
Against Ball State, Nolan Winter shot 63.7% from the field, 66.7% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line. This was his best shooting performance of the season. In two of those three categories, they are season highs, and his FG was only slightly lower than his 66.7% from the first game against Campbell.
He also had three blocks and two assists, both of which were season highs. Not to mention he scored 19 points, his most of the season, and secured 10 rebounds, which is only second to the 12 he grabbed against Campbell.
He's getting better and better each game, and Greg Gard says there's so much growth he still has in front of him. It's startling to think that Gard thinks he's only at the tip of the iceberg for what he's capable of.
"Oh there's still some plays that I think [Winter] could be more emphatic with and more aggressive. You know, I think I'm complaining about a double-double, but I think he's got more in him. I think he's not anywhere where he can be and that's the exciting part. You're getting great production, but the head coach wants more. I know he wants more. He knows there's more in there to be even better. "Greg Gard
Where does he get better? Greg Gard says in a dominant, closer-like mentality. He actually encouraged Austin Rapp and Winter to play like the freshmen when they were going back in. The freshmen were playing aggressively and punishing their opponents. He wants to see more from Winter in that regard, but also continue taking steps forward in his game.