Full Breakdown
John Blackwell Joins Duke After Persuasive Pitch from Coach Jon Scheyer
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Transfer to Duke and Coach’s Pitch
Former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils after a candid meeting with head coach Jon Scheyer. Scheyer told Blackwell that the program would “push you every single day,” a message Blackwell described as “real” and unsugarcoated. The coach’s straightforward approach is presented as a key factor in Blackwell’s decision to leave the Badgers for Duke.
02
Blackwell’s College Production
At Wisconsin, Blackwell amassed 1,505 career points, placing him 11th on the Badgers’ all-time scoring list. He averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in his final season, helping the Badgers post a 24-11 record before a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to High Point. His scoring consistency earned him a first-team preseason All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection and a second-place finish in ACC preseason player-of-the-year voting behind Virginia forward Thijs De Ridder.
03
Early Duke Showings and Preseason Honors
In Duke’s exhibition schedule, Blackwell recorded 23 points in a 90-84 win over No. 17 Kansas and added 18 points in a 103-64 victory over No. 8 Tennessee. Those performances have reinforced expectations that he can contribute to a deep postseason run for the Blue Devils. A media panel’s preseason accolades reflect his projected impact on Duke’s offense.
04
Other Notable Transfers Highlighted
The article also outlines several high-profile transfers set to shape the upcoming season:
- Flory Bidunga, a 6-foot-9 forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, moves from Louisville to Kansas and earns preseason first-team All-ACC honors.
- Juke Harris, a 6-foot-7 guard, transfers from Wake Forest to Tennessee after a record-setting 1,230 minutes played last season.
- Mila Momcilovic, a 6-foot-9 forward, leaves Iowa State for Kentucky after leading Division I in three-point makes and percentage (.487).
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a proven scorer who’s been in those moments, also understands he doesn’t need to the ball to always impact winning,” — Jon Scheyer, duke coach — Jon Scheyer, Duke head coach.