Duke Targets Wisconsin Transfer John Blackwell After Losing Out on Top Portal Player

The Blue Devils' pursuit of Blackwell could be aided by a recent transfer commitment elsewhere.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:54pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of vibrant color.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes recruitment battle for one of college basketball's top transfer targets.Portland Today

Duke basketball is navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal as they try to rebuild their roster for the 2026-27 season. The Blue Devils recently missed out on landing top transfer target Flory Bidunga, who committed to Louisville instead. Now, Duke is focusing on Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, one of the top scorers in college basketball, as a key transfer target. The commitment of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks to Illinois could help Duke's chances with Blackwell, as the two players have similar scoring-focused styles that may make it difficult for them to co-exist on the same team.

Why it matters

Securing high-profile transfer commitments is crucial for Duke as they look to reload their roster and compete at a championship level next season. Landing Blackwell would be a major boost, as he is one of the most talented scorers available in the portal. The Blue Devils' ability to land Blackwell could hinge on how the Vaaks commitment to Illinois impacts Blackwell's recruitment.

The details

Duke lost out on landing Flory Bidunga, the No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal, after he committed to Louisville over the weekend. The Blue Devils are still waiting to hear decisions from several key players on their current roster regarding the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. In the meantime, they are heavily pursuing Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, who is also considering Illinois, Alabama, Arizona, Louisville, and UCLA. The recent commitment of Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks to Illinois could aid Duke's pursuit of Blackwell, as the two players have similar scoring-focused styles that may make it difficult for them to co-exist on the same team.

  • Bidunga was slated to visit Duke on Sunday, but the visit was canceled, followed by Bidunga's commitment to Louisville shortly after.
  • Blackwell will take two visits before committing on May 4, a week before the NBA Combine.

The players

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

Flory Bidunga

The No. 1 overall player in the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal, who committed to Louisville instead of visiting Duke.

John Blackwell

A 6'4" guard from Wisconsin who is one of Duke's top transfer targets, also considering Illinois, Alabama, Arizona, Louisville, and UCLA.

Stefan Vaaks

A 6'7" guard who transferred from Providence to Illinois, which could impact Blackwell's recruitment.

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What’s next

Duke has yet to schedule a visit with Blackwell, but as one of the top scorers in college basketball, Scheyer and the Blue Devils' coaching staff seem to be heavily invested in landing the Wisconsin transfer.

The takeaway

Duke's pursuit of John Blackwell as a key transfer target highlights the importance of securing high-profile commitments in the portal as the Blue Devils look to rebuild their roster for the 2026-27 season. The commitment of Stefan Vaaks to Illinois could aid Duke's chances with Blackwell, as the two players have similar scoring-focused styles that may make it difficult for them to co-exist on the same team.