Wisconsin's Blackwell enters transfer portal, tests NBA draft
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- John Blackwell plans to enter the transfer portal while going through the NBA draft process, telling ESPN on Monday that he is immediately the best guard to announce his portal intentions.
- Blackwell earned third-team All-Big Ten honors and averaged career-high 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting nearly 39% from 3-point range in 2025-26.
- Blackwell posted 34 points and 10 rebounds against Washington in the Big Ten tournament, then followed with 31 points on 9-for-17 shooting in an overtime win over Illinois.
- Wisconsin was upset by 12-seed High Point in the NCAA tournament's first round despite Blackwell's 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
- Blackwell said he wants a program where he can "enhance my skills for the NBA" and compete for a national championship, specifically seeking more on-ball responsibility at point guard.
- Blackwell plans to take visits and make a decision within three to four weeks, with the men's college basketball transfer portal officially opening Tuesday.
Why it matters: A 6-foot-4 third-team All-Big Ten guard and 19.1-point scorer, Blackwell is the top guard available as the portal opens Tuesday. His stated goal of a national championship program with point guard reps narrows the field to elite suitors, and his three-to-four-week decision timeline keeps the carousel moving fast.
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