What Greg Gard said about Wisconsin star John Blackwell declaring for 2025 NBA draft
What Greg Gard said about Wisconsin star John Blackwell declaring for 2025 NBA draft
A Wisconsin program centerpiece could be on the move this summer.
Nearly two weeks following Wisconsin's NCAA Tournament loss to BYU, rising junior John Blackwell officially declared for the 2025 NBA draft while also maintaining his collegiate eligibility. The Michigan native announced his decision on Thursday afternoon via X.
"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. "My goal has always been to play in the NBA, and going through the process will take me one step closer to my dream."
After earning a Big Ten All-Freshman Team nod in 2023-24 after averaging eight points and 3.2 rebounds, Blackwell emerged as the clear-cut No. 2 option for Greg Gard's team as a sophomore in 2024-25. In 37 games, the 6-foot-4 playmaker averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists off 45.1% shooting from the field, 32.2% from deep and 81.5% from the charity stripe in 31.2 minutes per appearance.
Outside of star wing John Tonje, Blackwell was the most consistent two-way option for a Wisconsin team that finished the season 27-10 and No. 12 in KenPom. He scored at least 10 points on 30 occasions, including eight outbursts of at least 20 points.
Gard, who has witnessed Blackwell blossom into one of the Big Ten's most improved players, offered some insight into the former three-star recruit's trajectory and potential return to UW next fall.
"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 via 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."
Gard, who has manned UW's sidelines for nearly a decade, recently witnessed another high-profile player declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility. A.J. Storr, who led Wisconsin in scoring during the 2023-24 season, declared following the season's end before ultimately transferring to Kansas for the 2024-25 slate.
Unlike Storr, Blackwell has committed to remaining in Madison for his junior season, if he elects to return to college. The pre-draft process will give him a clear indication of his draft stock, plus possible areas for improvement entering future years.
Blackwell's upside, attitude and clear competitive edge certainly boost his potential as a legitimate NBA prospect. He could make the jump this offseason if an NBA team falls in love with his ceiling. Still, the star guard's return to the Badgers is more likely than not at this stage of the process.
Blackwell has until June 15 to withdraw his name from the draft and maintain his eligibility.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
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