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Wisconsin junior John Blackwell announced Friday on Instagram that he is withdrawing from the 2026 NBA draft and transferring to play next season at Duke University.
The news was first reported by Joe Tipton of On3.
Blackwell was an All-Big Ten third-team selection last season, averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range. He ranked fourth in the conference in 3-point percentage and seventh in total points (650).
The 6-foot-4 guard registered five 30-point performances, the most such games among all players in the conference last season and the second-most in program history. He tallied a season-high 34 points and 10 rebounds on March 12 in a win over Washington.
Blackwell declared for the draft last month and entered the transfer portal after three years with the Badgers. He announced his commitment to coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils on April 21 as perhaps the top guard in the transfer portal.
The 21-year-old was among the 70-plus prospects who competed in the draft combine last week, measuring in with a 35 1/2-inch max vertical jump. He also went 15-for-25 in the 3-point star and 18-for-30 in the off-the-dribble shooting drills.
Blackwell bypassing the draft and joining the Blue Devils figures to be a significant addition for the program, which advanced to the Elite Eight last season. The team projects to be among the preseason favorites to win the title next year.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: John Blackwell decision: Duke commit to withdraw from 2026 NBA draft
Continue reading...
The news was first reported by Joe Tipton of On3.
Blackwell was an All-Big Ten third-team selection last season, averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range. He ranked fourth in the conference in 3-point percentage and seventh in total points (650).
The 6-foot-4 guard registered five 30-point performances, the most such games among all players in the conference last season and the second-most in program history. He tallied a season-high 34 points and 10 rebounds on March 12 in a win over Washington.
Blackwell declared for the draft last month and entered the transfer portal after three years with the Badgers. He announced his commitment to coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils on April 21 as perhaps the top guard in the transfer portal.
The 21-year-old was among the 70-plus prospects who competed in the draft combine last week, measuring in with a 35 1/2-inch max vertical jump. He also went 15-for-25 in the 3-point star and 18-for-30 in the off-the-dribble shooting drills.
Blackwell bypassing the draft and joining the Blue Devils figures to be a significant addition for the program, which advanced to the Elite Eight last season. The team projects to be among the preseason favorites to win the title next year.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: John Blackwell decision: Duke commit to withdraw from 2026 NBA draft
Continue reading...
