John Blackwell entered the NBA Draft last month while preserving his college eligibility, leaving the door open for a return to Wisconsin if needed. Although he wasn’t selected for the NBA Combine, he recently received his first invitation to a pre-draft workout from a Western Conference team. On Tuesday, Blackwell took part in a pre-draft workout with the Portland Trail Blazers, joining five other NBA prospects.
Blackwell Takes First Step Toward NBA Draft Goal
After a strong sophomore season in which he averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, John Blackwell is beginning to test the NBA waters. This week, he participated in his first public pre-draft workout with the Portland Trail Blazers—an important step in evaluating his future at the next level.
Blackwell declared for the NBA Draft alongside fellow Badger John Tonje, though unlike Tonje, he did not receive an invite to the NBA Combine. While his chances of being selected in the 2025 draft remain slim, this early exposure and feedback from NBA teams could be critical for his long-term development and professional aspirations.
Should Wisconsin lose Blackwell to the draft, it would be a significant blow to a team already facing major turnover. His departure would leave the Badgers with just one returning starter—Nolan Winter—from last season’s roster, putting head coach Greg Gard in a difficult position to replace Blackwell’s production and leadership.
Ideally, these workouts will give Blackwell a clearer picture of what he needs to improve and allow him to bring that insight back to Madison for a pivotal junior season. Tonje, meanwhile, is projected as a mid-second-round pick and is expected to hear his name called on draft night.
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