John Blackwell has officially decided not to return to Wisconsin next season. He actually said exactly that in his departure message. Didn't leave the door cracked, didn't leave a trail to return home, he's gone. "I won't be returning to play for the Badgers next season." His plan is that he will jump into the transfer portal while also testing the NBA waters (again).
Though he most likely will be transferring, as he still doesn't seem to be quite ready to make that NBA jump, and he will make more money in college next season anyway. However, there is a line in the "departure message" that should feel convicting for Greg Gard, Chris McIntosh, and anyone else who has influence in the department. "I believe I owe it to myself and my family to chase the highest level I can reach."
Thank you Wisconsin! #Badger4L pic.twitter.com/9p9obpbmxa
— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) April 6, 2026
John Blackwell says that Wisconsin is not the highest level of college basketball
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Blackwell was very classy in his goodbye. No matter how you feel about his departure, he did a great job with the above post. However, it's that one line that doesn't sit right. Not because Blackwell is wrong or even that he's taking a shot at Wisconsin. He's not, or at least not meaning to. It sits like moldy bread in the stomach because he's right. Wisconsin is not the highest level of college basketball, even if it should be.
This should be convicting for Greg Gard, as he contemplates another first-round exit after a second-round exit the year before. The Badgers aren't hanging banners unless it's for "NCAA Tournament inclusion." They can hang that one a lot. But that doesn't put them at the top or even close to it.
The Badgers may be able to say that they beat the national champion, should Michigan win later tonight, but Wisconsin didn't do it when it mattered.
Chris McIntosh should feel embarrassed as he works to bring more NIL into the Badger basketball program, and Gard should feel ashamed, as he hasn't been able to coach wins when they matter most. Wisconsin's star player is leaving because it's not the highest level of college basketball, even though it very well could be. It's a shame.