The Duke basketball program is set to begin the 2026-27 college basketball season with one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the nation. Head coach Jon Scheyer has effectively utilized the transfer portal and high school recruiting in building a team that aims to contend for a championship in April 2027. Duke is positioned as one of the favorites for the upcoming season, bolstered by the return of four of their top six scorers and the addition of standout players.
Read More
One of the notable new additions is former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell. In the previous season at Wisconsin, Blackwell averaged 19.1 points per game, shooting 43.0% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc, ranking seventh in the Big Ten for total points and fifth in three-pointers made. His ability to score was highlighted by multiple performances where he reached 20 points or more, including five games with over 30 points.
At Duke, Blackwell is projected to be the primary scoring option. His role is crucial, as the offensive dynamics will heavily depend on his performance. Scheyer has noted that Blackwell’s experience and proven efficiency at scoring will fill a significant gap left by the team’s previous top scorers. Throughout his college career, he has maintained an impressive shooting percentage, converting on 44.1% of his field goal attempts and 37.3% of his three-point attempts.
As the team's go-to scorer, Blackwell is expected to take the decisive shots in critical moments of games, projecting to attempt 11-15 shots per game. Around him, Duke has assembled a talented group of complementary scorers, including Caleb Foster, who shot nearly 40% from three-point range last season, and other threats like Dame Sarr and Bryson Howard.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Blackwell is also recognized for his skills as a passer and defender, making him a versatile asset for the Blue Devils. Scheyer has emphasized Blackwell's importance to the team, stating that his scoring capabilities and playmaking skills are vital, especially after losing key players such as Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans from the previous season.
Given his established track record, Blackwell is anticipated to be one of the leading scorers in college basketball next season and will play a pivotal role in Duke's pursuit of success in 2026-27.