John Blackwell announces he won't be returning to Wisconsin on eve of transfer portal opening
John Blackwell says he's leaving Wisconsin after scoring 19.1 points per game for the Badgers this season.
apnews.comHere’s the latest on John Blackwell based on the most recent reporting I can access.
- John Blackwell announced he will enter the NCAA transfer portal and test the NBA Draft process after a standout season with Wisconsin, where he averaged 19.1 points per game. This was reported to have him weighing his options between staying in college or pursuing professional opportunities.[1][2]
- Rumors and coverage through mid-April indicated Illinois was considered a leading destination in portal discussions, with media chatter highlighting family ties and fit in Brad Underwood’s system, though other schools like Duke were also in the mix in some outlets.[3][5]
- Ongoing transfer portal coverage throughout early April emphasized that the window to enter the portal was opening soon and that Blackwell’s decision could reshape backcourt plans for multiple programs ahead of next season.[2]
What this means going forward
- His next destination could hinge on where he believes he can maximize NIL opportunities, role, and development time, in addition to professional considerations tied to the NBA draft process.[2]
- Expect a flurry of official announcements or formal portal entries in the weeks following the portal opening, with programs racing to secure his commitment or at least gain early access to his recruitment profile.[3][2]
If you’d like, I can summarize the strongest candidate programs, compare potential fits, or monitor updates and share a concise weekly digest with sources. Please tell me which aspect you want prioritized.