Wisconsin center Nolan Winter putting up historic efficiency numbers

Wisconsin Badgers center Nolan Winter is known as an efficient scorer, but few Badgers fans likely realize just how efficient he has been.

According to Sports Reference, Winter owns the best 2-point field goal percentage in the Big Ten since the 1992-93 season, shooting 69% across his three years in Madison. He sits ahead of stars such as Chris Webber, Owen Freeman and Moritz Wagner on the list of all-time leaders. Winter also made 33% of his 3-pointers this season. His efficiency stands out even more as he shifted to center last year, taking over for Steven Crowl after he graduated. The move required Winter to adapt to a more physical role, with the team needing him in the post.In 31 games this season, Winter averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. If he returns to Wisconsin next season, he could finish his career as one of the most efficient scorers in program history.

If the Badgers retain Winter, expect Greg Gard and his staff to make him a bigger focal point of the offense next season. Given Winter’s scoring ability, it would be hard to justify anything else. The recent addition of Owen Foxwell, a facilitating point guard, could also create more opportunities for Wisconsin’s frontcourt.

Winter’s rise is another point in Gard’s favor. In recent years, he has helped develop players such as Steven Crowl, John Tonje, John Blackwell, AJ Storr and Nick Boyd.

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