For the first time in several years, Wisconsin basketball fans should lend a watchful eye to the NBA draft process. Stars John Tonje and John Blackwell are currently declared, the latter while still maintaining his college eligibility.
First, Tonje’s place on draft boards will be interesting to monitor after he delivered an All-American season leading the Badgers (19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game). The sixth-year senior was far from draft boards when he first broke out as a senior at Colorado State in 2022-23. An injury then cost him most of the 2023-24 season at Missouri, plus set tempered expectations for his Wisconsin tenure.
No one expected the level of play he delivered in 2024-25. That performance now has him in a position to be selected during the two-round NBA draft. The question is where.
Blackwell, meanwhile, could decide the fate of the Badgers’ 2025-26 season in the coming weeks. He entered the draft while maintaining his eligibility. In the process, he also said that if he were to return to college, it would be to Wisconsin.
The 2025 NBA draft will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT. Blackwell has until June 15 at 5 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. CT to officially withdraw from the draft and return to college.
Mock drafts and power rankings should give a hint of Blackwell’s stock, which could be a deciding factor in his potential return. If he rises in draft projections over the next month-plus, the likelihood of him finalizing his professional status will increase.
With that in mind, as both Tonje and Blackwell participate in the pre-draft process, here are the results from The Athletic’s latest two-round mock draft projection.
The Athletic’s NBA draft prediction for former Wisconsin stars John Tonje and John BlackwellJohn Tonje: Second round, No. 41 overall to the Golden State Warriors
Tonje appears to be a consensus second-round pick. With that range mostly occupied by international prospects and developmental players, a team is likely to take a shot on Tonje’s top-end college production translating to the professional level.
John Blackwell: Undrafted
Blackwell’s current standing in The Athletic’s projection is great news for Badger fans. His return is dependent on not rocketing up draft boards. This latest mock indicates that it has yet to happen, although six weeks still remain before his decision deadline.
NBA mock drafts will be an important follow throughout May and early June. It isn’t hyperbole to note that the Badgers’ chances this season depend on Blackwell returning to lead the lineup.
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