John Blackwell Transfers to Duke: Star Wisconsin Guard Bolsters Blue Devils Roster in Major Portal Move
POLICY WIRE — Durham, USA — Highly sought-after guard John Blackwell, previously with the Wisconsin Badgers, has officially announced his commitment to Duke University, marking a significant...
POLICY WIRE — Durham, USA — Highly sought-after guard John Blackwell, previously with the Wisconsin Badgers, has officially announced his commitment to Duke University, marking a significant acquisition for the Blue Devils from the competitive NCAA transfer portal.
Blackwell confirmed his decision on Tuesday via an Instagram post, choosing to join the storied Duke program. He was considered among the premier talents available in the transfer market, having formed one of the nation’s most formidable backcourt tandems at Wisconsin alongside Nick Boyd.
Blackwell’s Impressive Performance and Accolades
The 6-foot-4 guard showcased exceptional skill throughout the recent season, contributing an average of 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, helping the Badgers achieve a strong 24-11 record. His shooting prowess was evident with a 38.9% success rate from beyond the arc, averaging 2.8 three-pointers per contest.
Blackwell frequently delivered his most impactful performances against Wisconsin’s toughest competitors. He notably scored 26 points in an away victory over the eventual national champion Michigan Wolverines and posted an average of 27.5 points across two wins against Final Four participant Illinois. Additionally, he tallied 25 points during a late-season road triumph over Purdue, an NCAA regional finalist.
In Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament first-round exit against High Point, Blackwell recorded an impressive 22 points and 10 rebounds. His standout play earned him third-team all-Big Ten honors from both the league’s coaches and media. While he didn’t appear on the Associated Press all-Big Ten team, which exclusively features first and second-team selections, his contributions were widely recognized.
This stellar season followed his 2024-25 campaign, where he averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
ACC Rivals Bolster Rosters: UNC and Marquette’s Portal Activity
Blackwell’s commitment highlights a busy period for top basketball programs. The Duke Blue Devils’ success in securing Blackwell was part of an active day for commitments that also saw significant moves by rival North Carolina.
The Tar Heels, preparing for their inaugural season under former NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone, made several key additions. They secured commitments from Utah guard Terrence Brown, a 6-foot-3 junior who averaged 19.9 points last year with the Utes, and Matt Able, a 6-6 freshman guard from in-state program N.C. State, who averaged 8.8 points in his freshman year. These two guards are expected to play pivotal roles in UNC’s backcourt.
Read More: UNC Tar Heels Basketball Transfer Portal: Michael Malone Era Roster Updates & Key Moves
Furthermore, the Tar Heels enhanced their frontcourt depth with 6-foot-9 French forward Maxim Logue from Florida Atlantic, as reported by DraftExpress citing agency Gersh Sports. This acquisition follows an earlier commitment from the versatile 6-foot-9 forward Neoklis Avdalas, who transferred from Virginia Tech.
Elsewhere in collegiate basketball, the Marquette Golden Eagles also announced notable transfer additions. These include former Louisville forward Sananda Fru and ex-St. Thomas (Minnesota) guard Nolan Minessale. This influx of talent signals a shift in Marquette coach Shaka Smart’s recruiting strategy. While Smart had previously brought in numerous Division I transfers when he first took the helm in 2021, the program had not added any new transfers since Zach Wrightsil arrived from NAIA program Loyola New Orleans in 2022.
Fru, a 6-foot-11 player, contributed 9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game during his tenure at Louisville this season. Minessale, from St. Thomas, showcased his abilities by averaging 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. These strategic moves across multiple top programs underscore the dynamic nature of college basketball’s transfer landscape.
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