Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, but the door remains very much open for his return to Madison for the 2025–2026 college basketball season. And based on how mock drafts are shaping up, a return is becoming increasingly likely.
Low Draft Stock Could Prompt Return
Despite a strong sophomore campaign—15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 45.1% shooting over 37 games—Blackwell is not currently projected to be selected in either round of the NBA Draft, according to mock drafts from respected analysts like Kevin O’Connor (Yahoo Sports) and Sam Vecenie (The Athletic). That’s a major factor that could influence his decision to withdraw from the draft before the NBA’s early entrant withdrawal deadline.
What It Means for Wisconsin
If Blackwell returns, it would be a massive boost for Greg Gard’s squad, especially after a season where he was one of the most consistent offensive threats. A third-year Blackwell would likely be a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate and the centerpiece of a team looking to make a deeper NCAA Tournament run.
Importantly, sources confirm that if Blackwell returns, it will be to Wisconsin—not via the transfer portal, further strengthening the Badgers’ roster continuity.
Decision Timeline & Outlook
Blackwell is expected to go through the NBA Draft evaluation process—including workouts and the NBA Draft Combine (if invited)—before making a final decision. Players have until May 29, 2025, to withdraw and retain their NCAA eligibility.
Bottom Line
Unless there’s a major shift in how teams view him during pre-draft workouts, John Blackwell’s most strategic move may be to return for one more season of college ball. That would allow him to:
- Raise his draft stock into a more secure spot for 2026
- Continue developing his playmaking and defensive consistency
- Lead a Badgers team that could contend for the Big Ten title
Would you like a breakdown of how Blackwell compares to other top returning guards or potential 2026 draft prospects?
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