Wisconsin’s John Blackwell declares for NBA draft, maintains option of returning to Badgers
Mark Stewart Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
John Blackwell’s ability to develop from a role player as a freshman to a go-to player as a sophomore was a key reason why the Wisconsin men’s basketball team exceeded expectations this season.
But is he ready for the NBA?
That is the question the 6-foot-4 guard will seek answers for over the next couple of months. Thursday he started that process by declaring for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
Blackwell announced his decision on social media.
“My goal has always been to play in the NBA, and going through the process will take me one step closer to my dream,” he wrote.
If Blackwell returns to college, he wrote that he plans to come back to Wisconsin.
“Once a Badger, always a Badger!,” he wrote.
The deadline for early entry players to withdraw from the draft is June 15 at 4 p.m. central time.
Blackwell averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assist per game this past season. He shot 45.1% from the floor and 32.2% from three-point range.
His average of 31.2 minutes per game was just a shade off John Tonje’s team high.
Those numbers were significant increases over the averages Blackwell produced as a freshman: 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game. He played 18 ½ minutes per game and his field goal percentage was 44.6%.
In addition to getting input from his family and his agent, Blackwell noted that UW coach Greg Gard was part of the process.
“John has been a tremendous player for our program the last two seasons and has the drive to be the best player on the floor, wherever he is playing,” Gard said in a statement posted on the Badgers’ page on X. “This is a win-win opportunity for John to receive feedback from NBA personnel while retaining the ability to play for our program next fall.”
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