Wisconsin Badgers down only one rotation player for NCAA Tournament opener

Starting center Nolan Winter expected to return after four-game absence

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The University of Wisconsin will only be down one rotation player when it begins its NCAA Tournament run this afternoon. The Badgers list reserve guard Jack Janicki (wrist surgery) as out for its first-round game against 12th-seed High Point. Junior center Nolan Winter does not carry an injury designation, clearing the way for him to play this afternoon after missing the final game of the regular season and Wisconsin's three Big Ten Tournament games.

Why it matters

Winter has been a key contributor for the Badgers this season, leading the team in rebounding and ranking fourth in scoring. His return will provide a boost for Wisconsin as it looks to make a deep tournament run.

The details

After missing the final game of the regular season and Wisconsin's three Big Ten Tournament games, Winter has gone through a full week of practice without any setbacks. He went through Wisconsin's open practice at the Moda Center on Wednesday, moving well and showing no signs of being limited. Winter is the team-leader with 8.6 rebounds per game and is fourth on the team in scoring (13.3 ppg), shooting 69.9 percent on two pointers, which ranks 10th nationally.

  • Wisconsin begins its NCAA Tournament run this afternoon (March 19, 2026).
  • Winter has missed the final game of the regular season and Wisconsin's three Big Ten Tournament games.

The players

Nolan Winter

Junior center for the Wisconsin Badgers who is expected to return to the lineup after missing the final game of the regular season and Wisconsin's three Big Ten Tournament games.

Jack Janicki

Reserve guard for the Wisconsin Badgers who is out for the NCAA Tournament opener due to wrist surgery.

Austin Rapp

Sophomore who has filled in for Winter in the starting lineup, performing well with increased playing time.

Aleksas Bieliauskas

Freshman who has averaged 10 points and 6.5 rebounds over the last four games.

Greg Gard

Head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.

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What they’re saying

“Fifth-seed Wisconsin begins its run toward Indianapolis this afternoon against 12th-seed High Point in Portland, Oregon.”

— Benjamin Worgull, Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The return of Nolan Winter provides a significant boost for the Wisconsin Badgers as they begin their NCAA Tournament run. With their starting center back in the lineup, the Badgers have a chance to make a deep tournament run and compete for a championship.