Duke Transfer John Blackwell Sticks With Blue Devils Over NBA

The Duke Blue Devils basketball program received some exciting news this weekend with one of many high-profile NBA Draft withdrawals choosing to remain with their collegiate program.

Chief among them was former Wisconsin Badger and Duke transfer guard John Blackwell. The former Badger made his decision to forgo the 2026 NBA Draft and instead fulfill his commitment to Duke.

For more on Blackwell's decision and its impact on the Blue Devils Zach Peason has a look at the decision here:

The decision to stick at Duke is impactful for the Blue Devils, who now add him to their backcourt along with Cayden Boozer and point guard Deron Rippey Jr. The team now has a promising set of playmakers to build around for the 2026-27 season.

Duke is looking to bounce back after a 73-72 exit in the East Regional Finals game against the UConn Huskies.

With the 6-foot-4, 203-pound scorer now locked in, their chances at a deeper run next year are magified.

Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 2025-26 while shooting 43% from the floor and 38.9% from beyond the arc.

Ranked as the No. 3 player in the transfer portal, Blackwell made his initial decision to transfer from Wisconsin to Duke a little over a month ago on April 21, 2026. The lingering curiosity of whether or not he'd decide soon after to go pro lingered, but now Duke fans and the program can breathe a massive sigh of relief.

The Blue Devils are projected to be ranked as a top-three team going into the season. Blackwell's firm commitment now only solidifies that projection.