John Blackwell (basketball)

John Blackwell is an American college basketball player for the Wisconsin Badgers of the Big Ten Conference.

Early life and high school career
Blackwell attended Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he played on the basketball team. During his junior season, Blackwell averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 49% from three-point range, the highest percent among high school player in Michigan that season.

Recruiting
Blackwell received nine NCAA Division I offers. He chose Wisconsin over offers from VCU, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Oakland, Cleveland State, Rhode Island, Toledo and Northern Illinois.

Freshman season
As a freshman, Blackwell came into a guard heavy roster for the Badgers. Blackwell's ability to shoot, penetrate and guard on the perimeter gave him minutes early in the season. Blackwell was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on November 27, 2023. Blackwell played in two games during the Fort Myers Tip-Off where he averaged 10 points and 6.5 rebounds. Blackwell was awarded another Big Ten Freshman of the Week on December 11, 2023. Badgers earned a victory over Michigan State and a road loss to number one ranked Arizona. Blackwell averaged 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists on 50% shooting and 4–of–7 beyond the arc. Blackwell earned his third Big Ten Freshman of the Week on January 22, 2024. The Badgers split the week with a loss on the road at Penn State and a home victory over Indiana. Blackwell averaged 13 points and 3 rebounds for the week. Blackwell became the first Badger freshman to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times since Ethan Happ in 2015–16. Following the completion of the regular season, Blackwell was named to the All-Freshman Team.

Personal life
Blackwell's father, Glynn, played college basketball at Illinois and was the team captain for the 1987–88 Fighting Illini.