John Blackwell’s current stock in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft does not look good but he is doing everything he can to represent the Wisconsin Badgers well.
He was not invited in the NBA combine unlike his ex backcourt partner and teammate John Tonje who showed off his scoring prowess in the event. That is not stopping him from seeking advice from those who have done it already.
Blackwell connected with Wisconsin legend Michael Finley on May 21 and posted about it on X.
Pleasure seeing one of the greats 🦡!#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/DtdqOeeBMT
— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) May 21, 2025
Finley has his jersey retired by the Badgers in 2022. He is one of just three players whose numbers were retired by the historic basketball program. The other two being Ab Nicholas and Frank Kaminsky.
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Finley was able to carve a great NBA career after getting drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1995. He came an All-Star twice and won the title in 2007 with the San Antonio Spurs.
Before Finley, he also met with three-time champion BJ Armstrong.
Warriors together with almost 40 years between them. 2023 grad Johnathan Blackwell had his pro day today at the LA Lakers facility and ran into 1985 Brother Rice alum BJ Armstrong. The Rice brotherhood spans decades!! @BroRiceWarriors @BRiceBaseball @_Johnblackwell1 @bjarmstrong pic.twitter.com/SD3QGL1N3a
— Jeff Calcaterra (@RiceADCoachCal) May 20, 2025
John Blackwell’s draft stock
Blackwell is currently labelled undrafted by several mock drafts. Tonje, meanwhile, is projected to be picked in the second round although some are thinking he’s good as a first round draft pick.
Badgers Wire wrote:
Blackwell may be a better long-term NBA prospect than Tonje. But him not receiving an invite to either the NBA combine or G League Elite Camp, plus missing two-round mock drafts, makes 2026 the more favorable time for him to jump to the professional game.
In case he does not get drafted, it will be great news for the Badgers as the plan all along is for him to return to the team in case things don’t pan out the way he wanted to.
Blackwell, as approved by head coach Greg Gard, will return to the team for the 2025 season in case nobody picks him. He is expected to take the torch from Tonje as the team’s main star together with Nolan Winter.
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