Greg Gard Calls Major John Blackwell Announcement 'Win-Win'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kedrick Stumbris | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 6:36 PM ET

Madison, WI - The Wisconsin basketball offseason is in full swing. With transfer portal exits, big swings, and potential misses already come and gone, UW head coach Greg Gard is in the throes of reshaping his roster.

After unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honoree John Tonje and three-year starter Max Klesmit exhausted their eligibility this season, Gard knew he would have to replace at least two starters in his backcourt. Throw Wisconsin Badgers sixth man Kamari McGee into the mix; that is a lot of production to reload.

All-Big Ten Honorable Mention John Blackwell, UW's second-leading scorer and last-remaining guard atop Gard's rotation, made headlines by declaring for the NBA Draft on Thursday. A decision Blackwell made after speaking with his head coach.

Wisconsin Basketball Coach Calls NBA Draft Process 'Win-Win' for Blackwell

With the announcement that Blackwell would enter the NBA Draft but not the transfer portal, Badgers fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Gard almost certainly did the same and likely knew well that the rising junior might test the NBA waters this off-season.

"John and I have talked many times about his dream to play in the NBA," Gard said Thursday afternoon. "Our staff and I fully support his decision to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility at Wisconsin."

Blackwell did enter the draft but made clear he is leaving open a return to college basketball. If he does return to school, Blackwell has expressly made the "plan to come back to play for Coach Gard in Madison."

"John has been a tremendous player for our program the last two seasons," Gard continued. "He has the drive to be the best player on the floor, wherever he is playing.

"This is a win-win opportunity for John to receive feedback from NBA personnel while retaining the ability to play for our program next fall."

If the rising junior were to return to college basketball, he would have to remove himself from the draft by the NBA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline. That deadline is June 15th at 4:00 p.m. central.