Duke lands guard John Blackwell from transfer portal

Chip Alexander, The News & Observer (Raleigh) on Apr 21, 2026

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DURHAM, N.C. — Duke has received a commitment from guard John Blackwell, one of the top players available in the NCAA portal and a major addition to the Blue Devils program.

Blackwell, who averaged 19 points a game at Wisconsin last season, visited Duke on Monday, it was reported, and made his commitment Tuesday, announcing it on his Instagram page.

Blackwell, listed at 6-4 and 193 pounds, joins a backcourt that has Cayden Boozer returning as a sophomore and will add Deron Rippey Jr., an incoming freshman rated the nation’s best prep point guard.

Still to be announced is the status of forwards Isaiah Evans and Dame Sarr, and guard Caleb Foster, who will be a senior next season. Evans and Sarr reportedly are weighing whether to play professionally or return to Duke.

Duke’s freshman recruiting class has been ranked No. 1 by some recruiting services, with forward Cameron Williams and shooting guard Bryson Howard both 5-star recruits.

Blackwell averaged 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists with the Badgers last season and was a 39% 3-point shooter on his 243 shots from beyond the arc.

Duke’s roster for 2026-27 now has 6-11 center Patrick Ngongba II returning for his junior year, and the Blue Devils also have added forward Drew Scharnowski, a transfer from Belmont.