Portal season can be stressful, especially after last season's max exodus that saw starters like Chucky Hepburn and AJ Storr leave the program. It's always nerve-wracking to see who might jet off for another school. But this year, Badger fans can relax a little as forward Nolan Winter has announced he will be back for another season at Wisconsin.
Back for more. pic.twitter.com/ku9Url67qz
— Nolan Winter (@NolanWinter5) April 4, 2025
Nolan Winter will lace them up again for Wisconsin in 2025
Winter enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore, averaging 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 56% shooting. He also led the team in double-doubles with three while averaging just 21 minutes per game. He and John Blackwell, who will presumably return after getting feedback from NBA scouts, will be the Badgers only two returning starters for 2025.
Wisconsin just lost six seniors, including three starters, so getting Winter back for this season is huge for Greg Gard and company. He'll once again be a valuable stretch four in the Wisconsin offense, where he will bring his 36% shooting from deep into the frontcourt. The Badgers will most likely find his running mate at center in the transfer portal in the coming weeks.
This past season featured one of the most fun Badger teams in recent memory, and essentially made Wisconsin a desirable destination for players, both for the ones already on the roster and potential transfers. Getting Winter back was crucial to build off of the success of last year, and hopefully he can take his game to another level in 2025.