John Blackwell rapidly emerged as a key player for the Wisconsin Badgers in his debut season, earning recognition as a Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree. His impressive freshman campaign showcased a well-rounded game and a knack for stepping up in crucial moments, signaling a bright future in college basketball. Blackwell’s contributions went beyond just scoring, establishing him as a versatile and impactful member of the Badgers squad.
Freshman Season Highlights for John Blackwell
Blackwell’s 2023-24 season was marked by consistent performance and several standout games. He averaged 8.0 points per game while demonstrating efficiency from the field, shooting 45.1% from the field, an impressive 45.% from three-point range, and 82.1% from the free-throw line. His scoring ability was evident early in the season, highlighted by a career-high 18 points in just 18 minutes against Robert Morris.
His impact wasn’t limited to scoring; Blackwell also showed versatility. At the 2023 Fort Myers Tip-Off, he averaged a strong 10.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Badgers’ tournament title. Against top-ranked opponents, Blackwell consistently elevated his game. He led the team with 17 points and 7 rebounds in a victory over No. 1 Arizona, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Further into the season, he posted another 17-point, 11-rebound performance against Rutgers, showcasing his all-around game. He again scored 18 points against both No. 3 Purdue and Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament, solidifying his role as a reliable offensive threat for Wisconsin. Notably, Blackwell earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors an impressive four times, a feat not achieved by a Badger freshman since Nigel Hayes in 2013-14, underscoring the significance of his freshman year impact.
High School and Personal Background
Coming from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, John Blackwell was rated as a three-star combo guard. Recruiting analysts placed him among the top combo guards nationally and a top prospect in the state of Michigan. During his junior year at Brother Rice High School, Blackwell demonstrated his shooting prowess by averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting an outstanding 49 percent from beyond the arc, leading the state of Michigan in 3-point shooting percentage that season.
Basketball runs in the Blackwell family. John’s father, Glynn Blackwell, had a successful college basketball career himself, playing shooting guard for the University of Illinois from 1984 to 1988. Glynn Blackwell played in over 100 games for the Illini and averaged 12.1 points per game in his senior year, setting a strong basketball foundation for his son.
Conclusion
John Blackwell’s freshman season at Wisconsin was a resounding success, marked by individual accolades and impactful contributions to the team. His scoring ability, versatility, and clutch performances against top competition point towards a promising trajectory for the young Badger. As he continues to develop, John Blackwell is poised to become a central figure for Wisconsin basketball and a player to watch in the Big Ten Conference.
