John Blackwell announced that he is foregoing his final season at Wisconsin and either transferring or heading to the NBA. While it may have been a frustrating and even sad news update, it wasn't overly shocking. There had been rumors for a good while that he was going to command a huge haul in the transfer portal.
Here are five legit Greg Gard-style guards who could replace Blackwell next year. One way or another, Gard will find someone, and that someone will cook. He's proven it over and over again.
Freddie Dilione V - Penn State
Dilione fits the bill already, though maybe a little too accurately for it to actually work. He's going into his final season and has a lot to prove. That's Gard's favorite type of player. Dilione averaged 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He's long at 6'5" and has proven experience. The biggest downside is he's not known for his three-point shooting, though he did average over 30% last season. He's the most sure-fire of this list.
Kayden Edwards - TCU
Edwards, or "Bugg" as he's often called, is going into his sophomore year. He's a former 4-star recruit who shot 43% from three at TCU. He was only featured in a limited role, but adds a ton of upside with three years left to develop. He also wouldn't cost about the same level as some of the other options out there.
Elmarko Jackson - Kansas
Jackson is a very similar size to John Blackwell and plays in a similar way. He was a former top-20 recruit who has yet to break onto the scene with the Jayhawks. He's a role player averaging around 18 minutes per game in both seasons in Kansas. He is looking for a new opportunity, and Greg Gard has to like what he sees. Shooting 37.2% from three, 82% from the line, and plays defense.
Also, a player with something to prove at the next stop may be looking for an opportunity more than cash.
Brandin Cummings - Pitt
Also measuring in at 6'3, Cummings is a natural scorer. He averaged 12.5 points per game this season. He's going into his junior year and has been at Pitt for his first two seasons. What makes him very John Blackwell-like is that he has the ability to take over games when called upon, but is capable of playing his role, too. He went off for 29 points against Syracuse, for example.
Mikey Lewis - St. Mary's
Mikey Lewis is a very comparable comp to what Greg Gard likes to do and how he used John Blackwell. Lewis is very on the nose and is probably one of the top players on his list. However, it will be interesting to see if Lewis follows his coach to Arizona State or actually tests the waters of the transfer portal. He averaged 13.9 points and 2.7 rebounds. and 2.1 assists per game last season.