With the NBA draft withdrawal deadline approaching, several prospects are now being forced to decide whether to stay in the draft or return to college, including former Wisconsin standout John Blackwell, whose path has taken multiple turns since the end of the season.
After initially declaring for the NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal, Blackwell eventually committed to Duke, setting off controversy while still keeping his professional options open.
He remained in the draft process, hoping a strong pre-draft showing would secure his NBA future, but after a shaky combine and mixed workouts, he ultimately chose to withdraw and prepare for his senior season in college.
Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points per game and shot 38.9% from three last season, was still viewed as a potential second-round pick, but concerns about his playmaking, finishing around the rim, and defensive consistency likely hurt his stock.
While those weaknesses lowered his draft outlook, returning to school gives him another year to refine his game and potentially boost his position for a stronger push toward the 2027 NBA Draft.
