The Wisconsin Badgers have suffered a blow with star guard John Blackwell announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal.
Blackwell, heading into his senior season, is ranked as the No. 2 transfer in the portal by 247Sports. As a junior, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting nearly 39 percent from three.
Blackwell’s decision comes as the Badgers also see starting forward Aleksas Bieliauskas enter the transfer portal.
Blackwell’s Potential Suitors
John Blackwell could be one of the highest-paid players in college basketball next season. Schools are reportedly emerging as suitors in his recruitment.
On3’s Jamie Shaw reported that Michigan, Indiana, and Duke are schools to watch in his recruitment. Illinois has also been showing interest in the Badgers guard.
Shaw wrote, “John Blackwell has progressively gotten better each of his three seasons at Wisconsin. This past season, his 19.1 points per game finished No. 7 in the Big Ten. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard also shot 38.9 percent from three on 7.3 attempts per game. Three schools to watch with Blackwell are Michigan, Indiana, and Duke. All of them are looking to add scoring pop from the wing. He has scored 1,505 points while knocking down 184 threes over his three college seasons. Blackwell is originally from Highland Park, Michigan.”
The Fit With Potential Teams
The fit at each of those schools makes sense.
Michigan could use another scorer after losing Yaxel Lendeborg and Nimari Burnett. Blackwell could potentially slide into a backcourt that includes Elliott Cadeau and Trey McKenney next season. Blackwell also hails from the state of Michigan.
Indiana could be the school with the most available resources to give to Blackwell, and are in need of scoring as well.
Duke is an intriguing fit, as Blackwell is a player who wants to win. The Blue Devils provide him that opportunity and need a scoring two guard with Isaiah Evans likely off to the draft. Blackwell could slide right into that role and get the volume he’s desiring both on and off the ball.
Illinois will likely lose Keaton Wagler to the draft, freeing up a ton of on-ball opportunities. Blackwell could become the leader of the offense there next season.
What Blackwell Brings to the Court
- Averaged 19.1 points per game as a junior
- Shot nearly 39 percent from three
- Finished No. 7 in the Big Ten in points per game
Blackwell has scored 1,505 points while knocking down 184 threes over his three college seasons.
Blackwell should find himself in a great position to showcase his talents next season.