John Blackwell is leaving Wisconsin after scoring 19.1 points per game for the Badgers this season.
Blackwell issued an Instagram post Monday saying he won’t return to Wisconsin next season and is instead going through the NBA draft process while also entering his name in the transfer portal. The transfer portal for basketball officially opens Tuesday.
“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make because my experience here has been nothing short of incredible,” Blackwell said in his Instagram post. “The work I’ve put in alongside the guidance and direction I’ve received from Coach (Greg) Gard and his staff has helped me grow into a player I didn’t know I could become.
“But that growth is exactly what’s driving this decision. I believe I owe it to myself and my family to chase the highest level I can reach, and this is the right time to take that step and leap of faith.”
The 6-foot-4 guard had 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Wisconsin as a junior while helping the Badgers go 24-11. He made 2.8 3-pointers per game and shot 38.9% from beyond the arc.
He played particularly well late in the year. Blackwell scored 24 points as Wisconsin beat Purdue in its regular-season finale. He averaged 26 points in three Big Ten Tournament games, including 34 against Washington and 31 in an overtime victory over Illinois.
Blackwell scored 22 points in Wisconsin’s 83-82 NCAA Tournament first-round loss to High Point.
He earned third-team all-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and media. Blackwell didn’t make the Associated Press all-Big Ten team, which includes only a first team and second team.
Blackwell had 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.
“My time in Madison has truly changed my life,” Blackwell said. “Through every high and every tough loss, Badger Nation showed up with unwavering support. I’m beyond grateful — and I’ll carry that with me always. My prayer is that you understand my decision. Madison will always be second home to me for the rest of my life. This place and this community will always be part of who I am.”
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AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
