John Blackwell chose Duke after leaving Wisconsin to compete for a national championship and enhance his NBA prospects. His decision was influenced by the opportunity to play more point guard under Duke's coaching staff.
Key points
John Blackwell transferred from Wisconsin to Duke
He aims to compete for a national championship at Duke
Duke's coaching staff will help him prepare for the NBA
He will play more point guard at Duke
NIL opportunities influenced his decision
John BlackwellDukeWisconsin
John Blackwell talks about why he chose Duke after leaving Wisconsin
While former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell expects to compete for a national championship at Duke next year in his final season of college basketball, most of his decision to leave the Badgers appears to be for professional reasons.
And it's not just because of the NIL raise he'll get during his short stay with the Blue Devils.
In a Field of 68 podcast interview with Jeff Goodman, Blackwell said the Duke coaching staff plans to get him better-prepared for his NBA dreams by letting him play more point guard.
"They showed me how my role would fit in the NBA. For me, I want to be more on the ball," Blackwell said. "I'm 6-4, so I'm naturally a point guard. And that's just the things I didn't do at Wisconsin. No knock to them. It's just how I want to elevate my game to go to the next level."
Mar 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) points and laughs at fans after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Q&A
Why did John Blackwell leave Wisconsin for Duke?
John Blackwell left Wisconsin for Duke primarily for professional reasons, including the opportunity to better prepare for his NBA dreams.
What role will John Blackwell play at Duke?
John Blackwell is expected to play more point guard at Duke, which aligns with his goals of improving his skills for the NBA.
What are John Blackwell's expectations for the upcoming season at Duke?
John Blackwell expects to compete for a national championship during his final season of college basketball at Duke.
How does NIL impact John Blackwell's decision to join Duke?
John Blackwell's decision to join Duke is also influenced by a potential NIL raise he will receive during his time with the Blue Devils.
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Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) is unable to score on Michigan center Aday Mara (15) during the second half of their semifinal game in the Big Ten tournament Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Michigan beat Wisconsin 68-65.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard talks with guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) misses a three-point basket during overtime of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) reacts after Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd (2) was fouled during the second half of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots against Washington Huskies during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) cores one Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) during the second half of the game Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Iowa 84-71.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) drives on Michigan State guard Kur Teng (2) during the second half of their game Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat 10th ranked Michigan State 92-71.
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 13: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with Nick Boyd #2 during a scoring run in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kohl Center on February 13, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) hits a three-point basket as Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler looks on during the first half of their game Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) reacts after hitting a three-point basket during the waning moments of the second half of their game Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Minnesota 67-63.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) relays a play during the second half of their game Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. USC beat Wisconsin 73-71.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) and guard Nick Boyd (2) celebrate an upset of the Michigan Wolverines in an NCAA basketball game on on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard talks with guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Villanova beat Wisconsin 76-66 in overtime.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) and guard Nick Boyd (2) are shown during the waning moment of their game Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Marquette 96-76.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his three-point basket during the first half of their game against the Northwestern Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores during the second half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Villanova beat Wisconsin 76-66 in overtime.
Nov 28, 2025; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball against Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during the first half at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots and scores a three-pointer over Jo Valrie #33 of the SIUE Cougars during the second half at Kohl Center on November 17, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) and Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) react to a call Saturday, March 15, 2025, in a semifinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrate after a play during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his basket against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles up court during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Kohl Center on February 25, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 03: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots over the reach of Cam Gregory #7 of the Campbell Fighting Camels during the second half of the game at Kohl Center on November 03, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) passes the ball during the second half of their game against Campbell Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) drive along the baseline during the second half of their game Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Robert Morris 78-68.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores on Robert Morris guard Justice Williams (1) during the second half of their game Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Robert Morris 78-68.
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball over Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Ja'Heim Hudson (15) in the second half during the Fort Myers Tip-Off championship game on November 22, 2023, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.
Indiana Hoosiers guard Trey Galloway (32) blocks the shot from Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their game on Friday January 19, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) tries to swat the all away from UW-River Falls guard Gavin Ralph (10) during the first half of their preseason game Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores on Michigan center Danny Wolf (1) during the second half of their game Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan beat Wisconsin 67-64.
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the net against Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) during the first half on December 9, 2024, at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona.
John Blackwell (25) of the Wisconsin Badgers goes to the basket for a score in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kohl Center on January 3, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jeremiah Williams (25) goes to the basket against Wisconsin Badgers forward Xavier Amos (13) and guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half on January 6, 2025, at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
John Blackwell (25) of the Wisconsin Badgers drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Kohl Center on January 14, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) shoots a three point basket against Michigan State guard Tre Holloman (5) during the first half of Big Ten Tournament semifinal at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) is shown during the second half of their game Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Ball State 86-55.
MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 03: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers goes to the basket on Tre Singleton #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Kohl Center on December 03, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) attempts a three-point basket during the second half of their game Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Marquette 96-76.
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his three-point basket during the first half of their game against the Northwestern Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Mar 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) points and laughs at fans after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Mar 7, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) points and laughs at fans after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) is unable to score on Michigan center Aday Mara (15) during the second half of their semifinal game in the Big Ten tournament Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Michigan beat Wisconsin 68-65.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard talks with guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) misses a three-point basket during overtime of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) reacts after Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd (2) was fouled during the second half of their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten tournament Friday, March 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin beat Illinois 91-88.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots against Washington Huskies during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) cores one Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) during the second half of the game Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Iowa 84-71.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) drives on Michigan State guard Kur Teng (2) during the second half of their game Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat 10th ranked Michigan State 92-71.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 13: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with Nick Boyd #2 during a scoring run in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kohl Center on February 13, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) hits a three-point basket as Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler looks on during the first half of their game Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) reacts after hitting a three-point basket during the waning moments of the second half of their game Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Minnesota 67-63.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) relays a play during the second half of their game Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. USC beat Wisconsin 73-71.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) and guard Nick Boyd (2) celebrate an upset of the Michigan Wolverines in an NCAA basketball game on on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard talks with guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Villanova beat Wisconsin 76-66 in overtime.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) and guard Nick Boyd (2) are shown during the waning moment of their game Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Marquette 96-76.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his three-point basket during the first half of their game against the Northwestern Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores during the second half of their game Friday, December 19, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Villanova beat Wisconsin 76-66 in overtime.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Nov 28, 2025; San Diego, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball against Texas Christian University Horned Frogs during the first half at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots and scores a three-pointer over Jo Valrie #33 of the SIUE Cougars during the second half at Kohl Center on November 17, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) and Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) react to a call Saturday, March 15, 2025, in a semifinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrate after a play during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his basket against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles up court during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Kohl Center on February 25, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 03: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers shoots over the reach of Cam Gregory #7 of the Campbell Fighting Camels during the second half of the game at Kohl Center on November 03, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) passes the ball during the second half of their game against Campbell Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) drive along the baseline during the second half of their game Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Robert Morris 78-68.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores on Robert Morris guard Justice Williams (1) during the second half of their game Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Robert Morris 78-68.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots the ball over Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Ja'Heim Hudson (15) in the second half during the Fort Myers Tip-Off championship game on November 22, 2023, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Indiana Hoosiers guard Trey Galloway (32) blocks the shot from Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half of their game on Friday January 19, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) tries to swat the all away from UW-River Falls guard Gavin Ralph (10) during the first half of their preseason game Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) scores on Michigan center Danny Wolf (1) during the second half of their game Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan beat Wisconsin 67-64.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives to the net against Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) during the first half on December 9, 2024, at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
John Blackwell (25) of the Wisconsin Badgers goes to the basket for a score in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kohl Center on January 3, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jeremiah Williams (25) goes to the basket against Wisconsin Badgers forward Xavier Amos (13) and guard John Blackwell (25) during the second half on January 6, 2025, at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
John Blackwell (25) of the Wisconsin Badgers drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Kohl Center on January 14, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) shoots a three point basket against Michigan State guard Tre Holloman (5) during the first half of Big Ten Tournament semifinal at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) is shown during the second half of their game Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Ball State 86-55.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
MADISON, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 03: John Blackwell #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers goes to the basket on Tre Singleton #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Kohl Center on December 03, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) attempts a three-point basket during the second half of their game Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Marquette 96-76.
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Wisconsin basketball's John Blackwell is a key player again this season
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates his three-point basket during the first half of their game against the Northwestern Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Though Blackwell averaged 19.1 points a game last season and finished eighth in the Big Ten in scoring, teammate Nick Boyd, who averaged 20.7 points and 4.3 assists, was the primary point guard.
Though he excelled over the last two seasons at Wisconsin – he averaged 15.8 points a game in his sophomore season – it's clear Blackwell is looking to have the ball in his hands more, despite Duke's talent and depth.
"I'm surrounded by pros," Blackwell said. "Just show off my playmaking skills and make the right reads through pick and rolls, through actions, NBA pro actions. That's one area I want to show."
The Blue Devils are expected to be loaded in the backcourt with Caden Boozer and Caleb Foster returning and five-star recruit Deron Rippey Jr. expected to see significant time.
When asked to describe his game to Duke fans, Blackwell said he can score at "all three levels" but was also the "ultimate team player." He also said that his defense needed to take "the biggest jump."
