Wisconsin Basketball Provides Positive Update on Injured Combo Guard

Freshman combo guard John Blackwell is set to rejoin the Wisconsin basketball team’s rotation following a brief absence due to a hip injury suffered during the Badgers matchup against Purdue.

The three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week award winners’ return to practice is a welcomed site for a Badgers team suddenly short on depth. Not to mention, it’s just in time for Wisconsin’s upcoming face-off against Fran McCaffery and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

“It feels amazing to be back [at practice],” Blackwell told WKOW Sports Director Karley Marotta. “I’ll be back on Saturday…whatever it takes to help the team win, whether that’s two minutes or 20 minutes.”

All smiles for @_Johnblackwell1 as he returned to full practice and gets set to play on Saturday. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/WTqtfr1P96

— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) February 15, 2024

Wisconsin Basketball Getting John Blackwell Back Against Iowa

Nov 22, 2023; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) dribbles down court against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half during the Fort Myers Tip-Off championship game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The absence of John Blackwell has been felt significantly, forcing the Wisconsin basketball starters to play heavy minutes. However, his imminent return should inject a much-needed boost of energy and stability into Greg Gard’s rotation.

Blackwell is averaging 7.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 45.8% from the field and an impressive 47.5% from beyond the arc. He’s also averaging 1.065 points per possession, which leads the team.

There’s no question that the 6-foot-4 guard has been a core piece and valuable two-way asset to this team as the Badgers sixth man. According to T-Rank, Blackwell is fifth on the team in points above replacement per game (2.3).

His return against Iowa is particularly important given the prolonged absence of backup point guard Kamari McGee because Chucky Hepburn cannot continue playing 35+ minutes per game.

Wisconsin basketball has been riding a rollercoaster in recent weeks, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. Blackwell’s return could allow the Badgers to take a step back to normalcy and (hopefully) regain some of the momentum they had earlier this season.

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