The Wisconsin basketball team has had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but for one player it has been particularly difficult in 2024.
Nolan Winter, a 2023 three-star recruit, came into the 2024 season with high expectations for himself. Head Coach Greg Gard has praised the forward in the past, and rewarded Winter with more playing time following his hard work in practice. However, Winter has still struggled to produce up to the level that he was expected to, and hopefully he can find his stride.
Wisconsin Basketball Forward Nolan Winter Struggling to Produce in First Season of Play
After signing on with the Badgers over a year ago, former three-star forward Nolan Winter entered the 2024 season with high expectations for himself. Winter established himself in High School and AAU basketball as a physical, stretch-four on the court that can play both offense and defense. However, Winter has had difficulties thus far trying to replicate what he was able to do at the previous level.
Thus far into the season with only a handful of games left, Winter has averaged 2.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and has shot 45.2% from the floor in just shy of ten minutes per game. On defense, Winter has struggled to make much of an impact as he has recorded more turnovers (8) than steals (6) and blocks (0) this season. At times, Winter seems a bit lost and as if he is still adjusting to the pace-of-play at the collegiate level, which could very well be the case.
Can Nolan Winter Find a Way to Contribute to the Badgers Moving Forward?
While Winter might be struggling to adjust to the collegiate pace, that is not to say that the forward has not shown flashes this season. Winter had his best performance by far against Ohio State in early January as he scored seven points, recorded two rebounds, and also nailed a three-point shot. Wisconsin basketball walked away with the 71-60 win over the Buckeyes and Winter put together his most complete performance to date.
There is certainly a role for Winter on the team as a crafty scoring big man who still will not allow an easy bucket. Winter has never been an incredible defender by any means, but if he can contribute more down low for the Badgers it could be just what the forward needs to succeed.
Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Expecting Big Things from Bench Forwards
While Winter has played the majority of minutes as the big man off the bench for Wisconsin basketball, there has also been another big man Wisconsin expects big things from. Estonia native Markus Ilver has been another forward Wisconsin is hoping to make an impact of the bench, as his sporadic minutes have increased as of late. Likely, both Winter and Ilver have improved in practice, which now leaves the question of whether or not they can both translate their success over to the games.
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