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John Blackwell facing deadline to withdraw from NBA Draft, return to Wisconsin Badgers

John Blackwell is running out of time to decide whether he wants to stay entered in the NBA Draft or withdraw his name from consideration and return to the Wisconsin Badgers.
Lorin Cox|
Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) dribbles the ball against Montana Grizzlies guard Brandon Whitney (12) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena.
Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) dribbles the ball against Montana Grizzlies guard Brandon Whitney (12) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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John Blackwell entered his name into the NBA Draft to gauge what his prospects might be for the pro level.

He's running out of time to back out and return to the Wisconsin Badgers.

The NCAA requires players to withdraw their name from the draft by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 28, if they want to return to playing in college.

The clock is ticking on Blackwell to make a decision.

He hasn't gotten much attention during the pre-draft process, and he hasn't been picked in mock drafts.

It can still be beneficial for him to get his name out there and on NBA radars ahead of his junior season, even if staying in the draft wasn't a super strong possibility.

Blackwell reportedly worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Blackwell could still opt to forego his college eligibility and try to continue his basketball career as an undrafted free agent, but the lack of interest in this cycle is a sign he's more likely to return.

Still, until he announces his official return, Badgers fans will be a little nervous about losing another key piece to their rotation for this season.

Greg Gard has added a few guards in the transfer portal, but he'll need Blackwell in the fold for this team to reach its full potential in 2025-26.

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Lorin Cox
LORIN COX

Lorin Cox is the managing editor of Wisconsin Badgers on SI. He has been covering Badgers sports since 2014, when he was an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. He previously wrote for the Wisconsin State Journal, NBC Sports Chicago and USA Today Sports Media Group, and he is a former analyst for Pro Football Focus.

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