Greg Gard Optimistic About Nolan Winter’s Return for NCAA Tournament
PORTLAND, OR – All indications suggest Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter is on track to return from an ankle injury in the Badgers’ first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against High Point. Head coach Greg Gard expressed confidence in Winter’s availability during a press conference on March 18th.
“I do expect him to be available,” Gard stated. “He was full-go yesterday in practice. I assume he’ll be the same today.” This update aligns with previous statements from both Gard and Winter, who have consistently indicated a hopeful return for the tournament.
Winter Fully Participates in Practice
Winter participated fully in the Badgers’ open practice at the Moda Center, a strong sign of his recovery. When asked about his health, Winter acknowledged he’s steadily improving.
“Every day I do a little bit more and a little bit more,” Winter said. “And I think every morning, I’ve responded pretty well to what I did the day before. So we’re getting there for sure.”
Injury and Team Performance
Winter sustained the ankle injury during the Badgers’ 78-45 victory over Maryland on March 4th, marking his first missed game in his collegiate career. Prior to the injury, he had appeared in every game during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Despite Winter’s absence, Wisconsin, currently ranked No. 20 in the USA TODAY coaches poll, maintained a 3-1 record. Notably, the Badgers secured impressive wins against then-No. 14 Purdue and then-No. 9 Illinois. You can find the latest NCAA Basketball standings and news on USA Today.
Winter Eager to Rejoin the Team
Winter expressed his frustration at being sidelined during the team’s success. “Seeing how much fun it was out there and for me to not be out there – it sucked,” he admitted. “I was itching to get back out there, watching them. But obviously they were super successful and did very well. So happy to see that, but I’m ready to get back out there.”
Winter has averaged an impressive 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season, making his return a significant boost for the Badgers as they navigate the NCAA Tournament. For more information on the Wisconsin Badgers, visit their official website.
