Two days ago, Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. He has also declared for the NBA draft. The Badgers guard averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in his junior season. He notably shot 38.9% from beyond the arc.
In the postseason, Blackwell did even better. He had two 30+ points games in the Big Ten Tournament, including 31 in an overtime victory over Illinois. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, he scored 22 points.
Let’s take a look at three teams who would like to bring him aboard, assuming he doesn’t go to the NBA.
Top 3 Landing Spots for Wisconsin Guard John Blackwell
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Duke Blue Devils
Jon Scheyer’s program is already on to John Blackwell in the early transfer portal chatter. Blackwell would like nowhere else than to join a program with Final Four expectations every year. His ability to play on or off the ball will complement Duke’s fast-paced system.
The guard has already made it clear that he wants to play for a national title contender and the exposure he will get being at Duke will only make a strong case for this potential association.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
Another blue blood program makes the case for the 19.1 points per game scorer. Blackwell should go to a place where he gets the chance to make it to the NBA. Kentucky could deliver that promise since its guards are used well under head coach Mark Pope.
If Kentucky manages to bring in Blackwell, they could have a featured role of lead guard for him, much to what Wisconsin transfer desires. Moreover, the Wildcats can offer huge NIL opportunities, too.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
Of course, the Tar Heels make the list.
There’s a lot of excitement around the program after the hiring of head coach Michael Malone, who has won an NBA championship previously with the Denver Nuggets. Those guards looking to get drafted in the NBA could use Malone’s coaching skills and connections to get there. Blackwell is suspected to be one of them.
The Tar Heels are expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal and their top requirement is scoring guards. After back-to-back first-round exits in the NCAA Tournament, the program wants to go back to deep runs in March Madness, and bringing in someone like Blackwell could be a crucial step.
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