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UPDATED: SG John Blackwell is No. 1 for Wisconsin in the 2023 class

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard received his first commitment in the 2023 recruiting class earlier this week.

John Blackwell, who visited officially visit in September and again for a game this winter, announced the news publicly on Friday afternoon.

"I just thought it was the best time for me and I felt comfortable in my decision," Blackwell told BadgerBlitz.com. "They (Wisconsin) have been showing me so much love and I am so grateful for the opportunity to play there. This was the best time for me to commit.

Junior guard John Blackwell announced his commitment to Wisconsin on Friday.
Junior guard John Blackwell announced his commitment to Wisconsin on Friday.
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"I released the news publicly today but I told them on Wednesday night around 8:00 PM. I let them know I was going to be a Badger and they were very excited. Coach Gard was really stoked to hear the news, along with all the other assistant coaches."

Assistant Sharif Chambliss served as the lead contact for the 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard from Brother Rice High School in Michigan. Wisconsin was the first Power 5 school to offer last fall.

"Coach Chambliss played a big part in my recruitment," Blackwell said. "He was there for me and I felt like if I needed anything, he was a phone call away. Coach Chambliss came up here twice to see me and went out of his way during his season to get up here, which meant a lot.

"Coach Gard was constantly checking up on me to see how school was going and asking about my family. He came to my first this past weekend during the live period - he was front and center at our EYBL game. So Wisconsin was there showing love from the jump for me. They gave me my first opportunity to play at that level and I didn't forget that. They were constantly contacting me and seeing how I was doing. It was more than just about basketball because they got to know me and my family."

Blackwell chose UW over scholarships from Central Michigan, Cleveland State, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Oakland, Rhode Island, Toledo, Virginia Commonwealth and Loyola-Chicago, among others. He could be the only backcourt player UW takes in the junior cycle.

"They think I can do everything from the guard position," Blackwell said. "I can score on all three levels, rebound and play defense. Wisconsin knows that I can facilitate and be a playmaker for them. They like that they can use me in all those different ways, and they also like the size I bring to the guard position for them.

"It's a big relief to make my decision now. I can focus on the AAU season and trying to win the Peach Jam. I can also go into my high school season without worrying about recruiting."

In the 2023 class, Wisconsin also has known offers out to uncommitted juniors Gus Yalden (Asheville, NC), Asa Thomas (Lake Forest, IL), Joseph Estrella (Wolfeboro, NH) and Nolan Winter (Lakeville, MN).

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