John Blackwell is leaving Wisconsin after scoring 19.1 points per game for the Badgers this season.
Blackwell issued an Instagram post Monday saying he won’t return to Wisconsin next season and is instead going through the NBA draft process while also entering his name in the transfer portal. The transfer portal for basketball officially opens Tuesday. He credited coach Greg Gard for helping him grow as a player.
“That growth is exactly what’s driving this decision,” Blackwell wrote on Instagram. I believe I owe it to myself and my family to chase the highest level I can reach, and this is the right time to take that step and leap of faith.”
A pair of Tennessee players announced intentions to enter the portal Monday after helping the Volunteers (25-12) to the Elite Eight. J.P. Estrella, a 6-foot-11 forward, averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds, while guard Bishop Boswell started 33 of 34 games this season.
And Florida backup center Micah Handlogten is planning to enter the portal, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Handlogten had not made his intensions public. The 7-foot-1 senior is currently out of eligibility, but seeking another year.
Handlogten broke his left leg during the Southeastern Conference tournament in March 2024 and planned to redshirt the following season. But he changed his mind late in the season and chose to play the final 16 games, helping the Gators win the national championship. He is appealing to the NCAA for that to be considered a redshirt season.
He averaged 4.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in three seasons at Florida. He played his freshman year at Marshall.
Handlogten’s decision might be an indication the Gators are getting starters Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon back for another year. Chinyelu and Condon have not yet indicated their intentions, although teammates Boogie Fland, Urban Klavzar, Alex Lloyd and brothers Isaiah and Noah Brown are returning.
Blackwell, meanwhile, averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists for Wisconsin as a junior while helping the Badgers go 24-11. The 6-4 guard made 2.8 3-pointers a game and shot 38.9% from beyond the arc.
He played particularly well late in the year. Blackwell scored 24 points as Wisconsin beat Purdue in its regular-season finale. He averaged 26 points in three Big Ten Tournament games, including 34 against Washington and 31 in an overtime victory over Illinois.
Blackwell scored 22 points in Wisconsin’s 83-82 NCAA Tournament first-round loss to High Point.
He earned third-team all-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and media. Blackwell didn’t make the Associated Press all-Big Ten team, which includes only a first team and second team.
Blackwell had 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game as a sophomore in 2024-25.
“My time in Madison has truly changed my life,” Blackwell said. “Through every high and every tough loss, Badger Nation showed up with unwavering support. I’m beyond grateful — and I’ll carry that with me always. My prayer is that you understand my decision. Madison will always be second home to me for the rest of my life. This place and this community will always be part of who I am.”
