After the Badgers bowed out of the Big Ten Tournament, forward Nolan Winter said he would be ready to go for the NCAA Tournament. And while saying it is one thing, actually doing it is another, but it appears that he's right on track. There is one more slightly unexpected development, however, and it's more good news for Wisconsin.
It seems as though guard Jack Janicki may be on track to play in the NCAA Tournament as well. Janicki has been out with an injured wrist for over a month, but head coach Greg Gard said both players were back at practice this week.
"Both of them were in full go-mode, other than contact stuff, major contact stuff," said Gard. "So it's the most any of them have done. They both ran full court in some skeleton stuff we did, both were in the drills. It was a big jump today, and everyone felt pretty good coming out of it. So the plan is to take another step tomorrow."
Wisconsin could get two key players back for the NCAA Tournament
The Badgers will face 12-seed High Point in their first matchup of the tournament, and while Winter is almost certainly going to suit up, Janicki is a bigger question mark. Janicki's wrist injury required surgery, and although he was never given an exact timeline, it seemed that a return for the Big Dance might potentially be a possibility. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if he sits the first round or two should the Badgers advance past that.
Wisconsin went 3-1 in Winter's absence, but you can be sure they are happy to gain back is rebounding and ability to stretch the floor. Austin Rapp has come on strong, dropping 18 points against Michigan, and the two should make a formidable one-two punch for the Badgers in their game against High Point.
Wisconsin will tipoff on Thursday at 12:50 PM.