Duke Pursuing Highly Coveted Wisconsin Transfer

Blue Devils eye 19.1 PPG guard who could command $5 million in NIL deals

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The transfer portal has become a high-stakes battleground for top college basketball programs seeking to reload their rosters with experienced, high-level talent.Bloomfield Hills Today

The Duke Blue Devils are reportedly pursuing Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, a 6-foot-6 guard who averaged 19.1 points per game last season. According to reports, Blackwell could command as much as $5 million in NIL deals as the top-ranked guard in the transfer portal this offseason.

Why it matters

Blackwell's scoring ability, perimeter defense, and experience at the high-major level make him an attractive target for Duke as they look to reload their roster and compete for a national championship next season. His potential NIL value also highlights the growing financial stakes in college basketball's transfer portal.

The details

Blackwell spent the first three years of his collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers, improving his scoring each season. He is known as a high-level off-the-dribble and catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, an elite ball handler, and a strong perimeter defender. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 43.0% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc.

  • Blackwell announced last week that he is considering six schools, including Duke, as potential transfer destinations.

The players

John Blackwell

A 6-foot-6 guard who spent the first three years of his college career at Wisconsin, where he emerged as one of the top scorers in the Big Ten.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who is reportedly pursuing Blackwell to bolster Duke's roster for the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, the top-ranked guard in the transfer portal this offseason, announced last week that he is considering six schools — Duke, UCLA, Illinois, Arizona, Alabama, and Louisville — as potential destinations.”

— Grant Hughes, 247Sports Writer

What’s next

Blackwell is expected to take an official visit to UCLA on Tuesday, as the Bruins look to join Duke and Illinois as early favorites for the highly sought-after transfer.

The takeaway

Duke's pursuit of Blackwell highlights the growing importance of the transfer portal in college basketball, as top programs look to quickly reload their rosters with experienced, high-level talent. Blackwell's potential NIL value also underscores the financial stakes involved in landing elite transfers.