Greg Gard and Wisconsin Badgers basketball will have John Blackwell back for this season after he pre-empted his NBA dreams by dropping out of the draft. There is, however, someone else that could make the season exciting.
Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) celebrates after a play in front of Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Badgers made a good haul in the transfer portal. These players are a combination of experience, skills, and potential based on how they performed in their previous teams.
One of which is 6’6 point guard Andrew Rohde who could be everything mentioned above. Blackwell himself is excited for him to show what he can do on the floor.
Just wait!! https://t.co/66vJWBuTXW
— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) July 2, 2025
Andrew Rohde
Mar 8, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Andrew Rohde (4) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Kyle Cuffe Jr. (0) during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Rohde is a Wisconsin-native who last played for the Virginia Cavaliers where he averaged 9.3 points and 4.4 assists per game.
Greg Gard agrees with John Blackwell
Gard said landing Rohde is a win-win for the two parties.
“Great opportunity for him to play close to home and our fans will love cheering for him,” he said back in April.
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard
Mar 19, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during a press conference at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“He’s had a chance to play at different levels, showing off his offensive ability starting at St. Thomas and then earning his defensive degree at Virginia we respect so much. Now he gets to put those together at a Wisconsin program that he’s been familiar with since he was a little kid. He’s a big guard that has played in a lot of big games and we’re excited to have him back home.”
Aside from Rohde, the team will also bank on the leap made by their mainstays Nolan Winter and Jack Janicki. They also got veterans from the transfer portal as they landed Nick Boyd, Austin Rapp, and latest signing Elijah Gray.
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