The underclassmen who have entered their names into the NBA Draft are running out of time to make their decisions. They have until 11:59 pm EST on May 28 to formally remove their name from the NBA Draft, and some big decisions are still looming. Players like Michigan's new transfer, Yaxel Lendenborg, Kentucky's Otega Oweh, or even Milos Uzan from Houston. However, Wisconsin fans are waiting for confirmation from John Blackwell that he is returning to Madison.
John Blackwell has yet to announce his return to Wisconsin but many expect he will
John Blackwell isn't showing up on any mock drafts and he has none of the buzz for this year's draft. Many expect it to be a foregone conclusion that he will return to Wisconsin. That doesn't mean that Blackwell isn't taking advantage of the whole process. He may not have the buzz he's looking for yet, but he's getting his name out there and in front of NBA teams.
While Blackwell wasn't invited to the NBA Draft Combine, he has worked out at least three different NBA scout days. He has appeared before the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Is there a chance he decides to stay in the NBA Draft? It seems very unlikely, as he isn't projected to be an NBA draft pick and could make more money in college than on a G-league roster. He is gathering all the feedback he wants, and if he returns to Madison, he will use that to propel himself into a first-round pick next year.
This was John Blackwell's plan all along, but Wisconsin fans are anxiously waiting for it to be announced that it is still in effect. Badger fans will breathe a deep sigh of relief when John Blackwell posts that he is removing his name from the NBA Draft.