John Blackwell’s NBA plans can wait. The Wisconsin Badgers star announced that he will no longer pursue his pro dreams this season and will return to UW to play as a junior.
“Wisconsin’s John Blackwell will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school next season, per his agent Todd Ramasar,” CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein with the exclusive.
John Blackwell, Greg Gard, Wisconsin Badgers
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
Wisconsin’s John Blackwell will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school next season, per his agent Todd Ramasar.
Averaged 15.8 PPG and 5.1 RPG last year.
All-Big Ten First-Team ability in 2025-26.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 28, 2025
Returning to UW has always been the plan for Blackwell who still has two years of eligibility left. He is one of the two Badgers who declared for the NBA draft. John Tonje is the other one.
USATSI 25670098
Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrate after a play during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
The road to the draft was quite for Blackwell who averaged 15.8 points per game last season as his team’s second top scorer. He was not invited in the Combine, a crucial event for aspirants. He also failed to make the cut for G-League camp.
Exciting times for John Blackwell, Nolan Winter
Most Badgers fans celebrate the return of Blackwell. His future tag team partner Nolan Winter was among those who rejoiced and called on Blackwell to run it back.
Let’s do it brother❤️ https://t.co/Q0t8huarQM
— Nolan Winter (@NolanWinter5) May 28, 2025
Winter and Blackwell are the two names that emerged as Wisconsin’s next main men.
Nolan Winter, John Blackwell
Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) shoots as Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) and guard John Blackwell (25) defend during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Badgers have quality recruits from the transfer portal but Gard already have major plans long before the additions. That is to have their system centered on Winter and Blackwell.
“Badgers coach Greg Gard made it clear that Blackwell and Winter are core pieces in what comes next for this program,” Badgers Extra reported late March.
“Those two players are so important to Wisconsin’s future that Gard admitted discussions — read: negotiations — began midway through the season to ensure that Blackwell and Winter would be back with the team in 2025-26.”
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