The Milwaukee Bucks adding Wisconsin Badger John Tonje with the 47th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is a fan-favorite scenario for obvious reasons. While it's still possible, the Bucks have their sights on another Badger at the moment, with John Blackwell on their list of prospects to work out ahead of the June festivities, according to HoopsHype.
Bucks eyeing a Badger, but don't expect him to be their draft pick
Blackwell is not featured among ESPN's top 100 prospects in this draft. Even for Jon Horst, who isn't afraid to take unheard-of swings, using the 47th pick on Blackwell would be a clear reach. Instead of working him out to potentially draft him, this could be an opportunity for Bucks management to scout Blackwell for the G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
The Herd have been a nice spot for the Milwaukee Bucks to evaluate potential hidden talent for the past few seasons, with players such as AJ Green and Ryan Rollins seeing extended time down there before earning opportunities at the NBA level. The same could go for Blackwell, who could aim to prove himself at the G League level if he believes he's ready for the next step.
Returning to Wisconsin is also an option for Blackwell, and truly, he should spend another year down in Madison. The 20-year-old undeniably has potential, having averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this past season, but he still has room to grow. Right now, he's too raw for any team to use a draft pick on him, in all likelihood.
With John Tonje heading for the draft, Blackwell could take on a bigger role in Wisconsin and build up his draft stock for 2026, where he could be a much more coveted prospect.
Blackwell also doesn't fit the mold of what the Milwaukee Bucks should be looking for with their pick in this draft, which is a seasoned collegiate player who can potentially help sooner rather than later. Ironically, his Badger teammate Tonje, who is 24, will be among a handful of older players who have five-plus years of college ball under their belt and may be ready.
Even though they likely will not be selecting him, it is always interesting to see the Milwaukee Bucks take a closer look at a Wisconsin product due to the in-state connection.
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