John Blackwell Withdraws from NBA Draft, Commits to Duke After Bleak Pro Feedback

Blackwell started 30 games for Wisconsin in the 2023-24 season, averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. He shot 38 percent from three-point range and 71 percent from the free-throw line. Early mock drafts placed him in the late second round, but recent combine workouts raised concerns about his lateral quickness and shot creation against taller defenders. Over the past ten days, multiple NBA front-office sources told Blackwell he needed another year of college development to be competitive at the professional level.

- Blackwell announced his withdrawal from the NBA Draft and his commitment to Duke for the 2024-25 season, effective immediately. - Coach Jon Scheyer described him as an effective college player who will provide a natural scoring option and add depth to Duke's perimeter rotation. - The decision followed direct, unfavorable feedback from NBA personnel who deemed him not NBA-ready at this time.

Duke returns three starters from its 2023-24 squad that finished second in the ACC and adds Blackwell to a backcourt that already includes senior guard Jeremy Roach and sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor. His experience and scoring ability should reduce the offensive burden on those players and give Scheyer more lineup flexibility. The Blue Devils' incoming class also features two five-star freshmen, meaning Blackwell will compete for minutes while providing veteran leadership.