The Badger Backer Roundup: Winter & Janicki Return, Blackwell to Duke, and Pingeton's Portal Additions
Roster stability returns as key starters lock in, John Blackwell heads to Durham, and Robin Pingeton lands a historic transfer class.
The landscape of Wisconsin sports is shifting under our feet this April, and the blueprint for the 2026-27 season is officially being drawn.
While the headlines today are headlined by John Blackwell’s move to Duke, the real story in Madison is the sheer volume of talent Robin Pingeton and Greg Gard are successfully reeling in.
From the portal to the putting green, here’s a look at the state of the Badgers for Wednesday, April 22.
1. Men’s Basketball: Foundations and Departures
The roster picture for Greg Gard is becoming much clearer this week as the program balances elite retention with a high-profile exit.
Winter and Janicki Officially Back: In a massive win for the program’s interior and backcourt stability, Nick Osen of 247Sports reports that both Nolan Winter and Jack Janicki have officially signed their papers to return for the 2026-27 season. Winter will anchor the frontcourt after a breakout junior campaign, while Janicki’s veteran presence will be vital for a revamped guard room.
John Blackwell Signs with Duke: Standout guard John Blackwell has officially signed with Duke. While his departure is a significant loss, his move to a blue-blood program reinforces the high-level player development happening in Madison.
New Faces Inked: The Badgers officially welcomed four key scholarship additions:
Trey Autry (George Washington): A significant addition to the backcourt, the 6-foot-4 senior guard brings 100 games of experience and a lethal stroke from deep (84 triples at 38.5% last year).
Victory Onuetu (Hofstra): A 6-foot-11 rim protector who signed his papers Tuesday.
Eian Elmer (Miami OH): A versatile 6-foot-7 wing with elite range.
Owen Foxwell: The Australian playmaker has officially joined the 2026 class, bringing NBL professional experience to the Kohl Center.
2. Women’s Basketball: Robin Pingeton Lands a Program-Defining Talent
Head Coach Robin Pingeton is completely reshaping the Badger roster with a flurry of elite additions that have transformed Wisconsin into a much more serious program heading into next season.
Addie Deal (Iowa): The crown jewel of the class, the former 5-star McDonald’s All-American from Iowa, is officially a Badger. Deal, who made the First-Team All-Big Ten Freshman team last season, brings instant star power and playmaking to the backcourt.
Kadidia Toure (LIU): The reigning NEC Player of the Year has officially signed. A 6-foot-3 graduate forward, Toure was one of the most productive players in the nation last year, averaging 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds. She provides an immediate, dominant presence in the paint.
Alicia Courthiau (Belgium): The Badgers have added significant international flair with the signing of Belgian guard Alicia Courthiau. A 5-foot-10 “bucket-getter,” she shot an incredible 57.6% from three in EuroCup play and brings elite experience from the Belgian National Team.
Teagan Mallegni (Iowa): The McFarland native and Iowa transfer has also officially committed. The 6-foot-1 forward brings a lethal shooting stroke back to her home state.
3. Softball: Resilience at Goodman Diamond
It has been a whirlwind week for the Badgers, marked by high-scoring thrillers and dramatic finishes.
St. Thomas Split: Wisconsin wrapped up its non-conference slate on Tuesday with a doubleheader split against St. Thomas. After a 3-0 loss in Game 1, Hannah Conger played hero in Game 2, delivering a walk-off 2-RBI single to secure a 4-3 victory.
The Michigan Series: The Badgers showed incredible grit over the weekend against the Wolverines. After dropping the opener 7-4, they bounced back with a 6-3 win on Saturday, followed by a wild 14-12 victory on Sunday to take the series.
Next Up: With today’s game at Green Bay canceled, all eyes turn to a massive Big Ten series in Minneapolis. The Badgers (25-17, 9-9 B1G) face Minnesota starting Friday, April 24, at 6:00 PM.
4. Golf: Championship Season Arrives
With the regular season in the rearview, both programs are moving into the most critical part of the calendar.
Women’s Golf: The Badgers head to Glendale, California, for the Big Ten Championship at Oakmont Country Club. The tournament begins this Friday, April 24.
Men’s Golf: Following a 13th-place showing at the Hoosier Collegiate, the men’s squad is dialing in for the Big Ten Tournament in Oregon, set to begin on May 1.
It means a lot to have you here at The Badger Backer. Between Coach Pingeton’s recruiting coup and the return of Nolan Winter, the future in Madison looks incredibly bright. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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