John Blackwell Enters Transfer Portal, Top Landing Spots for Wisconsin Star amid NBA Draft Decision

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell will go through the NBA draft process but is also entering the transfer portal.

"It's a tough decision," he told ESPN's Jeff Borzello on Monday. "I'm looking for a place where I can enhance my skills for the NBA and a place where I can compete for a national championship. A place where that's the standard and what we're striving for."

Per that report, Blackwell "wants to go to a school where he will be able to show more on-ball responsibility" and "hopes to take visits and make a decision within the next three to four weeks."

Blackwell is originally from Michigan, so both the Wolverines and Michigan State would make sense as potential suitors. But given that he'll arguably be the top guard to hit the transfer portal, a number of blue-blood contenders will almost assuredly have interest.

It's warranted. Blackwell averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season but went on a tear in the Big Ten tournament, scoring 34 points against Washington and 31 points against Illinois in wins. While Michigan slowed him down (and everybody else of late) in the Big Ten tournament semifinals, he put up 22 points and 10 rebounds in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

But Wisconsin lost that game as well, and it sounds like Blackwell is seeking a chance to contend for a national championship and add to his own development as well. He was happy with the steps he took in the 2025-26 season but feels he can reach another level.

"I improved my mental focus," he told ESPN. "And off-the-dribble shooting, I think I got better in that aspect. Steps I need to take moving forward, being a better defender, being able to handle the ball more at the point guard position."