A Decision on the Edge of the Draft
John Blackwell, a 6‑foot‑4 guard who earned All‑Big Ten Third Team honors last season, finds himself at a crossroads as the NBA Draft Combine opens its doors.
The Wisconsin native has been soaking up feedback from scouts while also reflecting on the opportunity, saying he is trusting God to guide his next step and noting that he must decide by May 27 whether to pull his name from the early‑entrant list.
At 205 pounds, Blackwell brings a versatile shooting skill set that could appeal to NBA teams, but he also remains committed to the Duke program, where Coach Jon Scheyer has been monitoring his progress.
Teammates' Draft Outlook
Freshman forward Cameron Boozer is projected to crack the top five, sophomore wing Isaiah Evans has pledged to stay in the draft, and senior Maliq Brown is using the combine to climb the rankings.
Analyst Andy Katz has observed that the cluster of Duke talent adds a strategic layer to the team's future, while the program's leadership weighs how best to balance immediate NBA aspirations with long‑term college development.
Whatever Blackwell decides, his choice will ripple through the Blue Devils' roster planning, influencing how the team structures its recruiting and development pathways heading into the next season.