The Wisconsin Badgers imported seven new players this offseason; amidst all the incomings, one of college basketball’s biggest storylines was around an exit in John Blackwell.

Blackwell entered the portal following a 2025-26 campaign where he notched 19.1 points on a 43% field goal rate, along with five rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. 

The former Wisconsin great and was immediately ranked as the nation’s No. 3 overall player and No. 1 shooting guard. 

Following a 15-day stint in the portal, Blackwell landed with the Duke Blue Devils, instantly becoming a star for the five-time national champions. 

In his debut, Blackwell tallied just three points, along with one assist, one rebound and four turnovers on a 16.6% mark from the field as the Blue Devils stomped Army 84-50. 

Three days later, in Duke’s 113-52 win over Coastal Carolina, Blackwell looked a lot sharper, going for 15 points and three rebounds, including 5/9 from the field.

How far can Blackwell go beyond the college ranks?

While Blackwell won’t be the No. 1 player like he was at Wisconsin, his potential is still sky-high according to ESPN’s latest big board rankings, Blackwell was lauded as the nation’s 66th-best prospect.