Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter made a big leap last season, going from averaging just 2.4 points in 2023 to 9.5 points per game in 2024. He is not yet done improving and for the next season, he is already doing what it takes to get to another level.
Winter is entering Year 3 with higher expectations and responsibility. This was first teased by Badger Extra and revealed head coach Greg Gard already negotiated with him to return not too long after their NCAA tournament exit.
“Badgers coach Greg Gard made it clear that Blackwell and Winter are core pieces in what comes next for this program,” the sports website wrote.
“Those two players are so important to Wisconsin’s future that Gard admitted discussions — read: negotiations — began midway through the season to ensure that Blackwell and Winter would be back with the team in 2025-26.”
Winter will be joined by John Blackwell as the main man for the team. The starting unit is completed by three other experienced players they signed through the transfer portal.
Nolan Winter got big and going to get bigger still
The higher expectations mean more touches. Winter knows it and he is answering the call by going to the . . . kitchen.
The 7’0 tall junior revealed after Thursday practice that he has been working to get bigger by eating more lately.
“Eating. Like every two to three hours I’m trying to eat a meal and in between,” he shared.
“There’s really not an hour in the day I’m not eating something.”
Zone Madison’s Zach Heilprin said Winter already gained 11 pounds and is looking to get to 245.
#Badgers center Nolan Winter is up 11 pounds this summer to 237. Says he’d love to play at 245. Putting on the weight has been a huge focus this offseason.
“There’s really not an hour in the day I’m not eating something.” pic.twitter.com/VR7oe5wvH9
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) July 17, 2025
Winter is working with Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning Jim Snides for that.
“Coach Snides is helping me a lot with protein shake and all sorts of stuff. I know that if I can get that up to speed when you need it, that will bring a lot of success for me on the court.”
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