UCLA Lands in Top Six for Star Transfer Guard John Blackwell

Blackwell, a dynamic scorer from Wisconsin, is highly sought after in the portal.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:10am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the fluid movements of a skilled guard.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities of transfer guard John Blackwell, as he considers his next collegiate destination.Portland Today

John Blackwell, a 6'4" guard who played three seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, has narrowed his list of transfer destinations to six schools, including UCLA. Blackwell is a prolific scorer, averaging 19.1 points per game last season, and is also a strong rebounder. UCLA is looking to add offensive firepower to its roster as it aims to get past the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Landing Blackwell would be a huge coup for UCLA, one of college basketball's blue-blood programs, as they look to take the next step and make a deep tournament run. Blackwell's elite scoring ability and size at the guard position could help fill the void left by the departure of Skyy Clark.

The details

Blackwell recently cut his list of potential transfer destinations to six schools: Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville, and UCLA. He plans to visit two of those schools before making a decision by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine. UCLA has been active in the transfer portal, already landing Filip Jović and Sergej Macura, and has been linked to other players like Azavier Robinson as they look to bolster their roster.

  • Blackwell entered the transfer portal in early April 2026.
  • He plans to visit two schools before committing by May 4, 2026.

The players

John Blackwell

A 6'4" guard who played three seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season. He is a highly sought-after transfer target.

Skyy Clark

A former UCLA guard who has departed the program, leaving a void in the Bruins' backcourt that Blackwell could potentially fill.

Filip Jović

A transfer player UCLA has already landed to help bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

Sergej Macura

Another transfer player UCLA has added to their team for the upcoming season.

Azavier Robinson

A transfer target UCLA has been linked to as they look to add more talent to their roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Massive, massive entrant to the portal! Can get to the rim, hits 39% from 3PT, can distribute, and has the size to be a great defender!”

— The Portal Report

“UCLA is in the top six for a premier scoring guard from Wisconsin”

— Jonathan Givony, Draft Express

What’s next

Blackwell plans to visit two of the six schools he is considering before making a decision by May 4, 2026, a week before the NBA Draft Combine.

The takeaway

Securing a commitment from Blackwell would be a major win for UCLA as they look to build a roster capable of making a deep NCAA Tournament run. His elite scoring ability and size at the guard position could be a game-changer for the Bruins.