It was hardly a surprise when John Blackwell moved to Duke. He may now take advantage of his value and even position himself to win a championship during his senior year. It is what it is, even if it may be upsetting for supporters to see a well-liked Wisconsin player go to Duke of all places. Blackwell made some utter nonsense before he chose to share his choice to become a Blue Devil.
Blackwell told Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, “For me, I want to be more on the ball. ” Being 6’4″ makes me a natural point guard. That’s all the things I didn’t accomplish at Wisconsin. I’m not criticizing them; rather, it’s how I want to improve my game and advance.
With three significant factors that Blackwell is somehow missing, we’ve already addressed one reason why this statement is absurd. Examples of this include: He played point guard for Wisconsin two years ago, but he was more effective as the No. 2. Or perhaps he’s not very good at the role, he’s much better when he’s off the ball, and it’s just the way things are; it’s not a criticism of him. But the other thing that keeps bothering me is that Duke doesn’t require a point guard.
Blackwell will play SG, and Duke already has three outstanding point guards on its roster.
Did Jon Scheyer mislead him? Did Blackwell receive a promise of a point guard position? Because Duke’s lineup doesn’t have space for another point guard. Not even close. Blackwell is a senior, and he won’t wait for the depth chart to clear up because there are three other players ahead of him there.
Cayden Boozer, who is a natural point guard, is already coming back to Duke for the upcoming season. Caleb Foster is a seasoned veteran who plays a terrific point guard position. Additionally, Derron Rippey Jr. , the top point guard in the 2026 recruiting class, is entering. He will see action since he is a 5-star player and one of the top 10 recruits.
What is Blackwell saying then? Is this his way of expressing that the NBA would like me to handle the ball more if I’m going to the NBA next? Given his size, that would make sense, but it doesn’t make sense considering his skill set or Duke’s squad.
“I got the best deal financially at Duke, and they also have a solid chance to win a national championship,” Blackwell might say. Everyone knows this and knows that a significant element in my decision was getting a payday, so please don’t speak rubbish like I’m going to be more on the ball. Because it’s just not the case, and it doesn’t make any sense at all.
