Unlike in prior seasons, Duke isn’t relying on as many freshmen as it typically does. This is a program that has had some of the best freshmen in the country year in and year out, and while that will still be the case with some of the top freshmen joining the Blue Devils, much of it will center on the team’s veteran talent.
One guy in particular that most Duke fans are very excited to watch is John Blackwell.
Advertisement
Blackwell, a transfer from Wisconsin, is expected to be one of the best players in America next season.
Blackwell was as good as any shooting guard in the country a year ago, with many considering him one of the best players in all of college basketball. He has a real chance to be a first-team All-American if things go as planned and he finds his name high on draft boards.
That was only confirmed by one insider who recently ranked the top 10 shooting guards entering college basketball next season. Not only did Blackwell make the list, but he was actually the number one-ranked shooting guard in the rankings.
“Blackwell scored 1,500 points in three years at Wisconsin and blossomed into an elite shooter as a junior, knocking down nearly 100 threes at 39% in 2025–26. The Wisconsin offense has been particularly kind to guards in recent years, but there’s no reason he can’t have another big season as one of the featured weapons at Duke.
Advertisement
“He figures to be the Blue Devils’ leading scorer in 2026–27 and a big reason why Duke could make another push toward a national title,” Kevin Sweeney wrote.
It’s almost impossible to deny the fact that Blackwell is the best shooting guard in the country next season.
Of course, there are going to be some major players coming in from international play, high school, and other avenues, but the fact that Blackwell has done what he’s done throughout his career easily makes him one of the best players in college basketball next season. Of course, Duke fans aren’t going to be worried about preseason stuff, but it’s always nice to get some recognition early on with guys like Blackwell.
