Freshman

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John Blackwell | 2023–24 Freshman Season Highlights

University of Wisconsin | Men’s Basketball

John Blackwell made an immediate impact during his freshman season with the Wisconsin Badgers, quickly establishing himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s most promising young talents. His impressive debut earned him Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable collegiate career.

Averaging 8.0 points per game, Blackwell demonstrated exceptional efficiency, shooting 45.1% from the field, 45.0% from three-point range, and 82.1% from the free-throw line. His consistent performances earned him four Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, making him the first Wisconsin player since Nigel Hayes in 2013–14 to accomplish the feat.

Throughout the season, Blackwell delivered several standout performances that showcased his scoring ability, versatility, and poise under pressure.

Notable Freshman Season Highlights:

• Breakout Performance: Scored a season-high 18 points in just 18 minutes off the bench against Robert Morris, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate offensive impact.
• Fort Myers Tip-Off Champion: Helped Wisconsin capture the 2023 Fort Myers Tip-Off championship, averaging 10 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the tournament.
• Statement Performance Against Arizona: Led Wisconsin with 17 points and seven rebounds against No. 1 Arizona (December 9), showcasing his ability to compete against the nation’s top-ranked teams.
• First Career Double-Double: Recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds against Rutgers, highlighting his contributions on both ends of the floor.
• Big-Time Performance Against Purdue: Delivered a team-high 18 points in a pivotal victory over No. 3 Purdue, further establishing himself as a reliable contributor in high-pressure situations.
• Big Ten Tournament Impact: Knocked down four of six three-point attempts and led the Badgers with 18 points against Maryland, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in postseason competition.

From his first appearance in a Badgers uniform, Blackwell displayed the confidence, work ethic, and competitive spirit of a player determined to make his mark. His freshman season was more than an introduction to Big Ten basketball. It was the beginning of his emergence as one of the conference’s most exciting young guards.

With a combination of scoring efficiency, versatility, and a fearless approach to competition, Blackwell laid a strong foundation for the success that would follow.

John Blackwell | 2024–25 Season Highlights

University of Wisconsin | Men’s Basketball

John Blackwell delivered an impressive sophomore campaign during the 2024–25 season, starting all 37 games and averaging 15.8 points per game. His consistent production and leadership earned him All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition, along with Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors after helping lead Wisconsin to the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship game.

As Wisconsin’s second-leading scorer, Blackwell led the Badgers in scoring 11 times throughout the season and recorded four performances of 25 or more points. His standout performances included:

• Career-High Scoring Performance: Exploded for a career-high 32 points in Wisconsin’s commanding 116–85 victory over Iowa (January 3).
• Double-Double Dominance: Recorded his first two career double-doubles in a three-game span, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds against Washington (February 25), followed by 25 points and 11 rebounds at Minnesota (March 5).
• Big Ten Championship Performance: Led Wisconsin with 18 points against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament Championship game (March 16).

Throughout the season, Blackwell established himself as a dependable offensive leader, demonstrating his ability to score at all three levels, contribute on the glass, and deliver in high-pressure situations.

His sophomore season further solidified his reputation as one of the Big Ten’s rising talents, setting the foundation for continued success at the collegiate level.

SENIOR YEAR | 2026–2027

A New Chapter. A Bigger Stage. The Same Mission.

Duke University | Men’s Basketball

From Wisconsin standout to Duke Blue Devil, Johnathan Blackwell enters his senior season with a proven track record, national recognition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

After a breakout junior campaign at the University of Wisconsin, Johnathan Blackwell emerged as one of the most sought-after guards in college basketball. His remarkable 2025–26 season solidified his reputation as an elite scorer, fierce competitor, and dynamic leader capable of delivering when the stakes are highest.

During his junior season, Blackwell started all 33 games, earned All-Big Ten Third-Team honors, and was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. His offensive dominance included 15 games scoring 20 or more points and five performances exceeding 30 points.

Among his signature performances were a career-high 34 points and 10 rebounds against Washington, 31 points against No. 9 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, and a commanding 26-point performance that helped Wisconsin upset No. 2 Michigan.

His consistency and impact earned him multiple Big Ten Player of the Week honors and national recognition as the Naismith Trophy Player of the Week.

The Decision That Changed Everything

Following his junior season, Blackwell once again explored the NBA Draft process, gaining valuable insight into his professional potential while evaluating the next step in his basketball journey.

When he entered the NCAA transfer portal, he quickly became one of the most highly regarded available players, attracting attention from prominent programs across the country.

Ultimately, Blackwell chose Duke University, one of college basketball’s most storied programs, as the destination for his senior season.