He told ESPN on Monday that John Blackwell, the standout guard from Wisconsin, intends to enter the transfer portal concurrent with his NBA draft evaluation.
Having secured third-team All-Big Ten accolades, Blackwell instantly emerges as the most sought-after guard to declare his intentions for the portal.
“This has been a difficult decision,” Blackwell stated. “My goal is to find an environment where I can further develop my talents for the NBA and contend for a national championship. I desire a program where achieving that is the norm, and what we consistently aim for.”
The 6-foot-4 guard, Blackwell, had his most productive collegiate season for the Badgers during the 2025-26 campaign. He registered a personal-best average of 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while also connecting on nearly 39% of his 3-point attempts.
Blackwell’s performance in the postseason was stellar. He tallied 34 points and 10 rebounds during the third round of the Big Ten tournament against Washington, and then followed that with 31 points on 9-for-17 shooting in an overtime victory over Illinois. Although Wisconsin was surprisingly eliminated by 12-seed High Point in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Blackwell still concluded that contest with 22 points and 10 rebounds facing the Panthers.
“I’ve enhanced my mental concentration. Additionally, I believe my off-the-dribble shooting has shown progress in that specific area,” he remarked. “Regarding future improvements, I need to focus on becoming a superior defender and being capable of handling the ball more extensively from the point guard spot.”
Blackwell, having stated his desire to join an institution where he can undertake more primary ball-handling responsibilities, intends to conduct visits and arrive at a decision within the upcoming three to four weeks.
The men’s collegiate basketball transfer portal is slated to officially commence on Tuesday morning.