John Blackwell has withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return to collegiate basketball by transferring to Duke. The 6-foot-4 guard will play his senior season with the Blue Devils after spending the last three years at Wisconsin.
Blackwell was projected as a potential late second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft but was more likely to go undrafted. By returning to college, he aims to improve his draft stock for 2027. A strong senior season could move him into the second or even late first round of the 2027 Draft.
As a junior for the Wisconsin Badgers, Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 38.9% from beyond the arc on 7.3 three-point attempts per game. His scoring ability and perimeter shooting make him a valuable piece for Duke’s offense.
Duke is losing key contributors Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans to the NBA. Boozer averaged 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while Evans contributed 10.2 points and 3.8 assists per contest. Blackwell is expected to fill some of the void left by their departures.
Blackwell’s decision to transfer to Duke is a strategic move to play alongside a top-tier program and gain more exposure. Duke’s coaching staff will rely on his offensive production and leadership to elevate the team’s competitiveness.
Blackwell’s college career will conclude in 2027. His performance this season will determine his final NBA Draft projection.
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