{"id":709879,"date":"2026-04-13T21:00:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/709879\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T21:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:00:24","slug":"big-ten-basketball-team-that-made-final-four-has-shown-genuine-interest-in-john-blackwell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/709879\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Ten basketball team that made Final Four has shown genuine interest in John Blackwell"},"content":{"rendered":"

Big Ten basketball team that made Final Four has shown genuine interest in John Blackwell<\/a> originally appeared on The Sporting News<\/a>. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell didn\u2019t just enter the transfer portal. He immediately became one of the most sought\u2011after players available, and the race to snag him is already underway.<\/p>\n

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After a breakout junior season in which he averaged just over 19 points per game and earned All\u2011Big Ten honors, Blackwell\u2019s decision sent shockwaves through a Wisconsin program that relied heavily on his scoring and playmaking.<\/p>\n

Blackwell formed a potent backcourt duo with Nick Boyd, giving coach Greg Gard one of the conference\u2019s most dynamic guard pairings. Even though Wisconsin\u2019s NCAA Tournament run ended earlier than expected, Blackwell\u2019s individual production was undeniable. He delivered multiple high\u2011volume scoring performances, showcased improved efficiency and consistently carried the Badgers in late\u2011game situations.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Illinois gets brutal Keaton Wagler NBA Draft news after Final Four loss<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cJohn Blackwell is one of the top guards to hit the portal,\u201d On3\u2019s Joe Tipton wrote.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Two key programs (and six total) have already emerged as early contenders: the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Duke Blue Devils<\/a>. Others include the UCLA Bruins,\u00a0Louisville Cardinals, Arizona Wildcats, and Alabama Crimson Tide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Illinois makes sense for several reasons. It just wrapped up a\u00a0surprise Final Four run,<\/a> and the Illini ran into Blackwell on two separate occasions during the season, as he and the Badgers got the better of the Illini both times. <\/a>This included a nail-biting 91-88 Big Ten Tournament loss <\/a>in mid-March just before the NCAA Tournament began. Blackwell contributed 31 points, six rebounds and an assist.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Michigan’s national title win vs. UConn sets jaw-dropping records for TNT, CBS Sports<\/a><\/p>\n

Duke\u2019s interest hinges on NBA Draft decisions. If the Blue Devils lose multiple guards, Blackwell becomes an immediate high\u2011usage option capable of anchoring an offense. His ability to create off the dribble, score at all three levels, and handle late\u2011clock situations aligns with what Duke typically seeks in veteran backcourt additions.<\/p>\n

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For Wisconsin fans, the idea of Blackwell joining Duke is far easier to stomach than seeing him suit up for Illinois \u2014 a direct Big Ten rival. But the Badgers have no control over the process, and Blackwell\u2019s recruitment is only beginning.<\/p>\n

Blackwell\u2019s next step will likely hinge on role, roster construction, and the opportunity to elevate his national profile. He has the production, the r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and the leverage to choose a situation that maximizes both his development and his exposure.<\/p>\n

Blackwell is expected to commit in early May<\/a>, per Draft Express.<\/p>\n

Wherever he lands, Blackwell will immediately shift the balance of power for his next program. Few guards in the portal offer his combination of scoring volume, experience and proven success against high\u2011level competition.<\/p>\n

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