Wisconsin men's basketball guard John Blackwell declares for 2025 NBA Draft
John Blackwell is testing the NBA Draft waters—but he made it clear: if he returns, it’ll be to play for the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Wisconsin basketball program’s rising sophomore guard, John Blackwell, is officially testing the NBA Draft waters.
Wisconsin Badgers standout John Blackwell is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility—and that’s a significant checkpoint in what’s already been a rapid rise. In a post on Instagram, Blackwell laid out his intentions, thanked those who had helped shape his journey, and made it clear: the dream has always been the NBA.
"Dear Badger Nation, After speaking with Coach Gard, the coaching staff, Life Sports Agency, and my family, I’m excited to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining my collegiate eligibility," Blackwell wrote. "My goal has always been to play in NBA and going through the process will take me one step closer to my dream. I’d like to give glory to God as without him I wouldn’t be in this position.
“I’m extremely thankful for my family for their unwavering support and guidance during this process. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches, and the support staff for challenging me every day to become a better person and player.
"Finally, I’d like to thank our fans for their incredible energy and enthusiasm. They help make the Kohl Center such a special place to play. If I decide to wait another season before playing at the next level, I plan to come back to play for Coach Gard.”
Blackwell’s path to this point hasn’t just been about potential—it’s been about development production. This wasn’t some blue chipper who had high-major offers pouring in. Blackwell was a three-star combo guard out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, ranked as the 28th-best combo guard in the nation and No. 4 in the state.
He held offers from schools like Loyola Chicago, Toledo, and Bowling Green, but Wisconsin’s staff identified him early in the process and made their move—offering him in September of 2021.
He joined a 2023 recruiting class that also included forwards Nolan Winter and Gus Yalden—and even though he entered as the lowest-ranked of the three, it didn’t take long for Blackwell to separate himself.
As a freshman, Blackwell didn’t just crack the rotation—he made an impact. Averaging 8.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44.6% from the field, 45.5% from beyond the arc, and 82.1% from the charity stripe, Blackwell earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors.
He became the first Badgers player since Nigel Hayes in 2013–14 to win four Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards.
That’s what an early impact looks like. Then came the leap as a sophomore.
In year two, Blackwell started all 37 games for Wisconsin and took on a much bigger role—both in usage and responsibility. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. His efficiency from deep dipped a bit to 32.2%, but his impact never wavered. He was a steady hand, a primary scoring option, and a huge reason why the Badgers put together the season they did.
Despite his production, Blackwell was named only All-Big Ten Honorable Mention—an outcome that, frankly, felt a little off the mark given how consistently impactful he was. Alongside John Tonje, Blackwell helped form one of the more dynamic 1-2 scoring punches Wisconsin has had in recent memory. The duo complemented each other really well.
Despite being just two years into his college career, Blackwell has made it clear he belongs in the conversation when it comes to pro-ready talent—and he’s earned the right to see how far that conversation can potentially take him.
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard voiced his support for Blackwell’s decision to pursue feedback from NBA scouts.
“John and I have talked many times about his dream to play in the NBA. Our staff and I fully support his decision to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility at Wisconsin," Gard said.
"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. 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.”
The NBA Draft will take place on June 25–26, with the early entry withdrawal deadline set for June 15 at 4 p.m. CT. That gives Blackwell ample time to go through the pre-draft process, gather feedback, and determine his next step.
Make no mistake—this is good news for Wisconsin. It’s the kind of opportunity you want for a player who’s done things the right way. And if he returns, it’ll be with a new level of confidence and motivation.
Either way, Blackwell is chasing his dream—and his career is just getting started.
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