It's hard to believe, but the season is over for Wisconsin and Greg Gard after the shocking loss to High Point on Thursday. Just how in the world did that happen? That's something fans are going to be asking themselves throughout what's set to be a long offseason.
Frank Kaminsky sends pointed message to Wisconsin fans who want Greg Gard gone
If you're down in the dumps, imagine how the players feel? Right after the final whistle, you could see how deflated John Blackwell was in a postgame interview, as tears were falling. Plenty of Wisconsin fans have been bashing Blackwell for 'not caring' about how the season ended. We ask that those same people watch the video below. Yeah, this kid is devastated right now:
"That's why I wanted to win so badly with this team"
— Andrew Bandstra (@andrewbandstra) March 19, 2026
John Blackwell on this year's #Badgers:
"They meant everything to me. Honestly this is one of the hardest years of my life mentally .....
my coaches, and everybody looked out for me, I can't be more thankful for them" pic.twitter.com/JkLUx5nfFl
Wisconsin star John Blackwell was heartbroken after the loss to High Point
Yeah, that clip above is tough to watch. Blackwell poured everything he had into this season with Wisconsin. After the campaign ended last year, he tested the NBA Draft waters and there were even some transfer rumors swirling around.
Instead of leaving Madison, Blackwell bought into what Gard had for a vision this season and Wisconsin looked like it was heating up in recent weeks. Despite that, and a strong showing vs. Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament title, Wisconsin once again suffered an upset loss in the Big Dance.
Fans are livid with Gard, with so many out there calling for him to get fired. Even worse, plenty of Wisconsin supporters are bashing Blackwell, claiming his second-half performance is what led to the Badgers' loss. Seriously?
Sure, Blackwell was much stronger in the first 20 minutes of play, but the season-ending defeat is not just on him. High Point couldn't miss from downtown, which ultimately haunted Wisconsin in this one. If you're going after Blackwell, that's your right, but putting the L on him is absurd. And claiming the loss doesn't matter to him is even more ridiculous. Think he just forced those tears for the camera? Not a chance at all.