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John Blackwell identifies areas of his game he wants to improve for Wisconsin Badgers this season

John Blackwell credited Greg Gard for always being honest and direct with him about ways he can make the Wisconsin Badgers better, now that he withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.
Lorin Cox|
Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots a layup past Michigan Wolverines forward Will Tschetter (42) during the first half during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Mar 16, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) shoots a layup past Michigan Wolverines forward Will Tschetter (42) during the first half during the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

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Wisconsin Badgers

John Blackwell tested out his NBA Draft prospects this spring, but he's returning to Wisconsin knowing he needs to get better in his junior season.

He has goals of leading this team to new heights and proving to pro scouts that he deserves to be a first-round pick next year.

Blackwell was a guest on the "The SchuZ Show" on YouTube, where he laid out the specific areas of his game he's trying to improve.

"I think just playing more athletic above the rim, being a better point guard, cutting down the turnovers, consistent shooting and most importantly, my defense, just being a consistent pest on defense.
John Blackwell on "The SchuZ Show"

He credited Greg Gard for always being honest and direct with him about ways he can get better, and feedback from NBA teams in the pre-draft process helped too.

Blackwell noted how the flow of the game at the next level is even faster-paced, and he needs to be able to create for himself and take advantage of whatever space he can find on the court.

He sounds ready to lead the Badgers to greater heights in the 2025-26 season, with the hopes that it takes his career even higher in next year's draft.

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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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