High-rated school basketball switch portal guard John Blackwell, one of many Large Ten’s main scorers this season at Wisconsin, has narrowed his checklist of potential suitors to 6 faculties and has began visiting these locations. Coming off a profession yr with the Badgers, Blackwell is eyeing Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA in line with his agent and has set a call date for Might 4 — per week previous to the 2026 NBA Draft mix.
An honorable point out All-Large Ten nominee as a sophomore this season after averaging 19.1 factors per sport, Blackwell declared for the draft earlier this month whereas sustaining his collegiate eligibility to see what alternatives are on the market within the switch portal. He began all 37 video games for the Badgers this season whereas taking part in alongside John Tonje.
Given his manufacturing ranges within the Large Ten as a feared slasher and dependable exterior shooter at 37.3% profession from lengthy vary, Blackwell will command a large NIL settlement and is at present the second highest-rated accessible participant this cycle behind Iowa State ahead Milan Momcilovic.
Here is a look at Blackwell’s half-dozen finalists and why every of those NCAA Match-bound applications from final season may very well be a possible match:
Alabama
Why the Crimson Tide make sense: That is the form of backcourt weapon Nate Oats covets—dynamic, aggressive and constructed for a system that prioritizes tempo, area and shot-making. Oats has turned Alabama into one of many nation’s most analytically environment friendly offenses, the place guards are given the liberty to assault early, hearth from deep and play downhill. That is tailored for Blackwell’s talent set. He thrives with the ball in his arms, however extra importantly, he is snug making fast choices in transition—one thing that is non-negotiable in Tuscaloosa.
Arizona
Why the Wildcats make sense: Who would not wish to play for Tommy Lloyd out West after he simply spurned curiosity from North Carolina in hopes of bringing a nationwide championship again to this system? Lloyd’s system has persistently elevated expert guards who can function in area, make fast reads and punish defenses in transition — and Blackwell checks all of these containers. Blackwell suits Arizona’s offensive mildew as a shot creator who can thrive off ball screens.
Duke
Why the Blue Devils make sense: Jon Scheyer has prioritized excessive motor, excessive IQ gamers at each ends of the ground since taking on and he would not have to fret about Blackwell needing a bunch of photographs to be efficient. That is not going to work in Duke’s spread-it-around scheme. If perimeter murderer Isaiah Evans stays within the NBA Draft, Blackwell’s scoring punch can be wanted to a larger extent. That mentioned, Wisconsin wanted Blackwell’s finest evening in and evening out offensively. With the Blue Devils, he would not essentially should be the go-to, No. 1 choice and that would make him a extra well-rounded participant.
Illinois
Why the Preventing Illini make sense: Pairing Blackwell with Windfall switch Stefan Vaaks makes Illinois Last 4-capable as soon as once more beneath Brad Underwood. Vaaks, a top-10 switch after a standout freshman marketing campaign, gives offensive versatility whereas Blackwell provides the Preventing Illini punch on the defensive finish along with apparent scoring prowess. Illinois likes to rotate its guards when alternatives come up — solely freshman NBA Draft entrant Keaton Wagler averaged greater than 31 minutes per sport this season — and Blackwell’s not used to getting a breather (33.8 MPG).
Louisville
Why the Cardinals make sense: Louisville is assembling an Avengers-like lineup from this roster reset within the portal this cycle after current commitments from Kansas heart Flory Biding and Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad. Pat Kelsey’s program is a landmark winner within the early going and the addition of Blackwell would put the ACC crew excessive forward of the brand new season. Louisville’s additionally within the combine for Arkansas standout Karter Knox. In a system constructed on tempo, aggression and offensive freedom, Blackwell may freelance to an extent and that is when he was at his finest this season for the Badgers.
UCLA
Why the Bruins make sense: UCLA needs guards who can execute in a structured half-court system with out sacrificing toughness. Mick Cronin by no means asks for greater than his gamers can deal with and caters to each particular person’s strengths. Blackwell suits neatly into that framework as a possible two-way participant for the Bruins who will get the inexperienced gentle on the offensive finish whereas preserving sufficient power to defend on-ball conditions.