Blackwell named to Jerry West Preseason Watch List
October 28, 2025 | Men's Basketball
Junior is one of 20 players named to prestigious list
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin men's junior basketball player John Blackwell has been named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Preseason Watch List, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.
The 6-foot-4 do-it-all guard is one of 20 players named to the award's preseason watch list, which is presented annually at the end of each season.
He's accompanied by two other Big Ten Conference guards on the watch list, including Illinois' Kylan Boswell and Washington's Wesley Yates III.
It's Blackwell's second major honor of the preseason, earning Preseason All-Big Ten Team honors two weeks ago. He ranked second on the Badgers last year in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game en route to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He was also named to the Big Ten's All-Tournament team, posting 14.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while leading UW to the Big Ten championship game.
Blackwell tallied eight games with over 20 points last season, leading Bucky to a 6-2 record in those contests. He's consistently done the Badgers' dirty work, ranking second on the team with 32 steals last season. His 38 offensive rebounds were the second-most for a Big Ten player 6-foot-4 or shorter.
The Michigan native is no stranger to recognition, dating all the way back to his freshman campaign in 2023-24. Blackwell put up 8 points per game, becoming the third-consecutive Badger to earn Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, joining Chucky Hepburn (2022) and Connor Essegian (2023).
The Jerry West Award Watchlist will progress throughout the season, remaining fluid so players can move on and off the list until the Final 5 are selected in March. Fan voting opens once the Final 5 announcement is made, giving Badger fans the opportunity to get Blackwell national attention come season-end.
Blackwell and the Badgers take on UW-Platteville on Wednesday at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and tickets are available on UWBadgers.com.
