Greg Gard said last month John Blackwell is poised to become the best player and main man in the Wisconsin Badgers roster come the 2025 season but they might need to put that plan on hold after the sophomore guard announced that he will enter the 2025 NBA draft.
Blackwell was the team’s second top scorer in the 2024-2025 season with 15.8 points per game, next to 2025 Consensus Second-team All-American member John Tonje who has also entered his name for the NBA draft happening on June.
“After speaking with Coach Gard, the coaching staff, Life Sports Agency, and my family, I’m excited to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining my collegiate eligibility,” Blackwell said in an Instagram Post.
“My goal has always been to play in the NBA, and going through the process will take me one step closer to my dream.”
Blackwell was a clear cut second main guy in Gard’s squad in the past season that saw them reach the second round of the NCAA March Madness. They also reached the finals of the Big Ten Tournament.
He may have not received individual honors this season but his stat-line improved by almost 100 percent across the board, starting from points and minutes played.
John Blackwell’s decision a win-win situation for Wisconsin Badgers
While the 6’4 guard’s decision to go try the pro league is shocking, especially because of how everyone thought his role will increase come next season, they felt relieved because he will still return with the team if things don’t pan out the way he expected.
He will still be able to maintain his college eligibility.
For his part, Gard is just very supportive of the young man about his dreams.
“John and I have talked many times about his dream to play in the NBA and our staff and I fully support his decision to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility at Wisconsin,” Gard said in a statement as posted by the team on X.
“John has been a tremendous player for our program the last two seasons and has the drive to be the best player on the floor, wherever he is playing. This is a win-win opportunity for John to receive the feedback from NBA personnel while retaining the ability to play for our program next fall.”
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