In a surprising twist, John Blackwell is still shaping the future of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball even after entering the transfer portal, helping the program secure a major recruiting win to address the gap created by his departure.
Although he is actively exploring his next destination, Blackwell has remained closely connected to Wisconsin and has continued to support the staff during a critical offseason stretch, using his influence to strengthen the roster.
That effort has paid off with the commitment of standout transfer Trey Autry, widely viewed as a high-impact addition. The sharpshooting guard is expected to take on a significant role immediately and could help stabilize the backcourt left open by Blackwell’s exit.
Reports indicate Blackwell strongly pushed for Autry to join Wisconsin, praising the program’s culture, direction, and head coach Greg Gard. Alongside Nick Boyd, he played a key role in convincing Autry that Madison was the right fit.
Autry, formerly of George Washington, brings scoring ability and perimeter shooting that should translate quickly into Wisconsin’s rotation, making him a potential immediate contributor.
While Blackwell’s future remains unresolved, his continued involvement has helped ensure Wisconsin does not lose momentum in the transfer market. His influence has effectively turned a potential setback into a meaningful roster addition for the Badgers.
