Even though the period to officially enter the transfer portal has now passed, a number of big-time players have yet to announce their commitments to new schools.
However, arguably the top remaining player in the portal has announced his decision, as former Wisconsin Badgers star John Blackwell has committed to Duke. Jon Scheyer’s major addition drew strong reactions from the college basketball world.
John Blackwell Announces Commitment to Duke Blue Devils
For the past three seasons, Blackwell has played for Badgers. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 43% from the field, 38.9% from 3-point range, and 85.9% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he named to the 2025-26 All-Big Ten Team and the All-Big Ten Tournament Team.
Unfortunately for the Badgers, their season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, losing 83-82 to 12th-seeded High Point. A few weeks later, Blackwell announced his intent to enter the transfer portal while going through the NBA Draft process.
Now, Blackwell is a Blue Devil.
Breaking: Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell has committed to Duke, he told @jeffborzello.
Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors, was one of the best guards to enter the portal this spring. pic.twitter.com/Grr10KIc3l
— ESPN (@espn) April 21, 2026
College basketball analyst John Goodman immediately posted to break down the significance of the signing.
“BREAKING: Duke has landed Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, he told @thefieldof68,” he wrote. “The 6-4 junior guard averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season while shooting 39% from 3. Absolutely huge pickup for Jon Scheyer. One of the best players in the portal.”
BREAKING: Duke has landed Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, he told @thefieldof68.
The 6-4 junior guard averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season while shooting 39% from 3.
Absolutely huge pickup for Jon Scheyer. One of the best players in the portal.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 21, 2026
Goodman talked more about the move in a video posted by “The Field of 68.”
“They need a guy who can just go get one. They need a guy who can score at a high level, and they don’t have that right now with this roster…” Goodman explained.
“You needed someone you can give the ball to at the end of the game and say, ‘Go get us one.’ And that’s what John Blackwell’s gonna be.”
REACTION: John Blackwell to Duke!https://t.co/iJVtIXD3kthttps://t.co/iJVtIXD3kt
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 21, 2026
ESPN’s college basketball insider Jeff Borzello shared a similar sentiment to Goodman.
“BREAKING: Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell has committed to Duke, he told ESPN. Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points and earned All-Big Ten honors, was the best guard to enter the portal this spring,” he wrote. “Duke needed a big-time scorer and it just landed the best one on the market.”
BREAKING: Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell has committed to Duke, he told ESPN. Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points and earned All-Big Ten honors, was the best guard to enter the portal this spring. Duke needed a big-time scorer and it just landed the best one on the market. pic.twitter.com/iZjSXtiqrI
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 21, 2026
While this is huge news for Duke, one influencer is more focused on some issues that could arise following the addition of Blackwell.
“Gonna be a crowded backcourt w/ Blackwell, Cayden Boozer, Rippey & Caleb Foster,” the account OnBallCreator posted. “Guess they might go w/ small lineups a bit w/ 3 of those 4 guys on the floor together at the same time.”
Gonna be a crowded backcourt w/ Blackwell, Cayden Boozer, Rippey & Caleb Foster
Guess they might go w/ small lineups a bit w/ 3 of those 4 guys on the floor together at the same time https://t.co/Vg2SwGjMe6
— On Ball Creator (@onballcreator) April 21, 2026
Regardless, Blackwell is an excellent addition to a team that is losing its best player, Cameron Boozer, to the 2026 NBA Draft.
It won’t be a surprise to see them top the ACC and compete for a national championship next season.
