Although the Wisconsin Badgers football team didn’t see anyone selected in this past draft, Badger hoops has a chance to redeem Wisconsin sports, with both John Blackwell and Nick Boyd having their names in the draft. Better yet, both men will be competing at the NBA Draft Combine throughout this week, giving them a chance to prove themselves as true NBA prospects.
Blackwell, however, is still one foot in and one foot out, as he is still technically committed to playing for the Duke Blue Devils next season. Boyd, on the other hand, will have no other choice but to stay in the draft, as he is out of eligibility and will have to move on to the next chapter of his life. Because of this, Boyd’s next week could make or break his future with the sport — which isn’t exactly ideal considering who he will be playing with this upcoming week.
Loaded Backcourt
Although Boyd will be given every opportunity to shine in the athletic testing, he will have his work cut out for him when it comes to asserting himself in the scrimmages. The 25-year-old guard will be sharing the floor with two other point guards, Tyler Tanner and Kylan Boswell, both of whom are cerebral talents. Tanner, in particular, looks especially threatening to Boyd, as he is, without a doubt, a more dynamic playmaker and shot creator with the ball in his hands, meaning the team will likely trust him more to initiate action over Boyd.
Some big names slated to scrimmage, including Cameron Carr, Dailyn Swain, Tyler Tanner, Tarris Reed pic.twitter.com/8osy157S2R
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 11, 2026
Boswell, on the other hand, will be less threatening, as he has shown the ability to work off the ball and still be effective, giving Boyd room to thrive in the minutes he shares with him. However, it isn’t just those two who will take touches from him, as Keyshawn Hall, Otega Oweh and Nick Martinelli are each at their best when commanding the offense. In short, Boyd will have his work cut out for him asserting himself as the alpha amidst the loaded room.
How He Can Prevail
Although he will likely have to accept a smaller role than what he became accustomed to over the past year, Boyd will still be given the chance to prove himself to NBA officials. For one, he is the kind of player that thrives in a Combine setting, as the laid-back offensive execution and high-paced style make it easy for players like Boyd to dominate in transition and win out of isolation.
Not only that, but he will be paired with four big men who all thrive as play finishers and screen setters, giving him a great chance to flash his playmaking chops, along with clearing lanes for Boyd to finish around the rim. His situation may not be perfect, but Boyd will still be given the chance to prove himself and firmly assert his name as an NBA Draft prospect.
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