Daniel Freitag shares emotional exchange with John Blackwell after going into portal

One of the highest-rated backcourt recruits in Wisconsin history didn't pan out for Greg Gard and the Badgers. Daniel Freitag came in as a 4-star point guard but spent his whole first season playing only mop-up duties. The goal seemed to be to develop him so he was ready when there was more room in the rotation. However, as other players seemed to pass him on the depth chart and another year of him developing was teed up, Freitag decided to move on.

Which is what it is, but that doesn't make it easy, especially for his teammates and his friends. John Blackwell is known for posting on social media, and he took to X to say, "Gonna miss u bro." with a tearful emoji.

Daniel Freitag is transferring and his Wisconsin teammates give him encouraging sendoffs

Freitag responded, "Likewise. You know how bad I was trying to be a duo." He also left a teary emoji and a heart. Freitag spent all season posting on X about how much he loved being a Badger and working with his teammates. It does seem like he wanted to return, but early reports are that his minutes weren't going to increase. Evan Flood of 24/7 Sports reported that Greg Gard (Wisconsin head coach) told Freitag he would have a similar role next year.

That conversation prompted Freitag to hit the portal and move on. It was necessary, but that doesn't make it easy. He seems genuinely sad to leave his teammates at Wisconsin—not just John Blackwell but others, too. In his send-off on social media, he mentioned Camren Hunter (who is also transferring), John Blackwell, John Tonje, Max Klesmit, and Kamari McGee.

Nolan Winter also sent him a farewell address on social media, telling him to go be great! The team will miss him, and Wisconsin fans will be curious to see how he fares at another program. It also makes you wonder if Greg Gard is going to be mostly done with high school recruiting.