John Blackwell makes long-awaited Duke vs. NBA Draft decision
Finally, former Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell has announced his NBA Draft decision. The three-year Badgers standout went through the NBA Draft combine and everything that followed, but unlike Nick Boyd , he isn't officially declaring for the draft. According to Rivals' Joe Tipton , the 6-foot-4 guard will officially transfer to Duke, where he'll play his senior season.
Keep in mind, Blackwell only has one year of eligibility remaining. His 2026-27 season with the Blue Devils will be his last before he officially declares for the NBA Draft . Blackwell's decision wasn't a popular one in Madison, but the Michigan native simply has a dream to chase a championship.
He felt his best odds of that happening were by leaving Wisconsin, so that's the decision he made. NEWS: Duke commit John Blackwell will withdraw from the NBA Draft and play for the Blue Devils this upcoming season, he told @On3 . ⁰⁰The 6-5 junior guard averaged 19.
1 points and 5. 1 rebounds per game this season, earning Third Team All-Big Ten honors at Wisconsin. … pic.
twitter. com/g2Jq17C5hE — Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) May 22, 2026 Greg Gard lost a pair of talented guards, but replenished in the portal and has a few stellar incoming freshmen that will help ease the pain of losing both Boyd and Blackwell. That said, there's always a chance Wisconsin and Duke meet up again in the NCAA Tournament, a matchup that would see Blackwell play against his former team with everything on the line.