The Wisconsin Badgers were represented in the 2025 NBA draft by All-American senior John Tonje, selected 53rd overall by the Utah Jazz. Predicting a bit of deja vu, ESPN’s early mock draft for next year has another Badger going at the very same slot – rising junior big man Nolan Winter.
Nolan Winter Is Promising Asset for Wisconsin Badgers
Winter made major strides as a sophomore last season, averaging 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds as a stretch four. He started 37 games after playing solely off the bench in year one. He more than doubled his minutes to 21.1 per game. His shooting improved across the board as he logged splits of 56.4/35.8/76.9%.
After sustaining a minor injury at the end of the regular season, he returned for round two of the Big Ten Tournament and Wisconsin’s March Madness run. His offensive involvement ticked down as his shot attempts dropped to 4.5. He delivered an outstanding 18-point performance against Northwestern in the BTT, but averaged only 5.8 points across the Badgers’ final five games of the season.
Wisconsin Badgers, Nolan Winter, NBA Draft
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) shoots as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Frank Mitchell (00) defends during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Nonetheless, Winter should only take another step forward as a junior; ESPN’s draft experts seem to think so. His range and solid 6-foot-11 frame could make him an appealing late-draft selection for a team seeking a mature future rotation piece. With the departures of Tonje and center Steven Crowl, Winter should see an increased role on the Badgers roster.
As for Crowl, he will join Tonje in Utah’s training camp after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Jazz. If he impresses, he could end up alongside his college teammate on the bench or in the G League.
At the end of next season, Winter will have the choice of declaring for the draft or spending another year at Wisconsin. Depending on his draft stock, 2026 may be the last time Badgers fans get to cheer him on in the Kohl Center.
Nolan Winter, Wisconsin Badgers, NBA Draft
Jan 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) celebrates his shot against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Among the 60 mock picks, guard John Blackwell, Wisconsin’s second-leading scorer last season, did not make an appearance. Winter was the only Badger listed. A lot can change between now and next June, but it looks like 2026 could mark the first time since 1987, when the Milwaukee Bucks took J.J. Weber, that a Wisconsin player hears his name called in consecutive NBA drafts.
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