Every college player in the USA dream of becoming an NBA player. Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell was almost at its doors but he backed out last month.
Wisconsin Badgers, John Blackwell
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell (25) drives past Illinois forward Ben Humrichous (3) during the second half of their game Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Illinois 95-74.
That was expected though as he stated clearly during his announcement that he will return to Badgers in case things do not pan out the way he expected.
While his NBA dream won’t happen this year, he is taking it in good spirit because he accomplished the other objective he had in joining the pre-draft activities that includes getting to talk to scouts and other NBA team officials.
That other objective is about learning more about himself.
“I feel like there are things I haven’t accomplished in college yet,” Blackwell said.
“I want to boost my stock — I want to be a first-rounder next year. And I want to keep getting better. But ultimately, I want to win. I fell short of my goal, but I want to be in Wisconsin history forever.”
Michael Finley
Former Wisconsin basketball star Michael Finley, right, has his number retired during a ceremony at halftime Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Michigan 77-63.
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Among the people Blackwell got to talk to was Wisconsin legend and two-time NBA All-Star Michael Finley.
Pleasure seeing one of the greats 🦡#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/DtdqOeeBMT
— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) May 21, 2025
John Blackwell dreams bigger things with Wisconsin Badgers
Another reason why Blackwell returned to UW is his desire to show love for the team that recruited him and helped him develop.
In an age when players transfer from team to team for better NIL deals or playing time, Blackwell values his relationship with the team.
He is back with the Badgers after his attempt to learn from basketball experts in the NBA scouting scene and he aspire for bigger things for himself and the team.
John Blackwell, Wisconsin Badgers, Greg Gard
Dec 9, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) talks to Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during the second half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
“I just want to be remembered as one of the greats that came through Wisconsin,” Blackwell shared.
“A great teammate, a great person on and off the court. Like, when fans or supporters talk about the basketball players, I want them to say, ‘Any interaction we had with John was a great interaction.’ So that’s how I want to be remembered. I obviously want to be an All-American. I want to be a player who accomplished a lot and gets my name put up in the rafters. I’m praying for that.”
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