Duke University is making waves in college basketball with a key addition from the transfer portal. The Blue Devils have secured the commitment of guard John Blackwell, who transfers from Wisconsin.
This move is crucial for Duke as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. They will be losing significant talent, with their top scorers, Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans, likely declaring for the NBA Draft. Enter Blackwell, who brings much-needed scoring ability to the team.
Last season, Blackwell had his best year at Wisconsin, averaging 19.1 points per game with solid shooting stats of 44.1% overall and 37.5% from three-point range. He showcased his scoring prowess by exceeding 30 points five times, helping Wisconsin earn a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Since announcing his transfer on April 6, Blackwell became one of the most sought-after players in the portal. He drew attention from top programs like UCLA, Illinois, and Louisville, but ultimately chose Duke. His arrival adds to Coach Jon Scheyer’s roster as he seeks to lead Duke to its sixth national championship.
Adding to the excitement, Duke can also count on Cayden Boozer returning for his sophomore season. There were doubts about Boozer’s future with rumors of his older brother potentially heading to the NBA. However, he’s determined to prove himself after a tough end to last season, where he had a costly turnover against UConn. Throughout the postseason, he showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 13 points per game.
In addition to Boozer, Duke received more good news with Patrick Ngongba announcing his return. Ngongba averaged 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game last season, making him a valuable asset. Furthermore, Duke has added another player, Drew Scharnowski, transferring from Belmont, which bodes well for their future prospects on the court.
With these changes, Duke’s lineup for the upcoming season is shaping up to be both dynamic and competitive, promising an exciting year ahead for fans and players alike.
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John Blackwell (23 – Brother Rice)
