One of the biggest names in the Transfer Portal right now is Wisconsin guard John Blackwell.
Blackwell averaged over 19 points per game and shot 38.9% from three this year for the Badgers. From the moment he entered the portal, he became one of the most sought-after players available, with teams all across the country jockeying for position.
On Friday night, Jonathan Givony reported that Blackwell had cut his list to just six teams. That list includes Nate Oats and Alabama:
NEWS: Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell has narrowed his list to six schools: Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA, per Todd Ramasar and Alexis Liatsos of Life Sports.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 11, 2026
Will visit two schools before committing by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine. pic.twitter.com/WS85QzITSH
But there's no real reason to get excited here for Alabama fans. Givony's tweet is worded a bit strange, isn't it?
"Will visit two schools before committing by May 4, a week before the NBA Draft Combine."
A list of six schools, but he's only visiting two?
That matches intel by 247's Travis Branham earlier on Friday, when he said the primary contenders for Blackwell were Duke and Illinois:
More than 1,900 players have entered the transfer portal.@TravisBranham_ provides an update on some of the hottest names and top prospects — including Flory Bidunga, Aiden Sherrell, John Blackwell and others ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SMDxnmbaMi
— 247Sports (@247Sports) April 10, 2026
Alabama isn't likely to be a factor in John Blackwell's recruitment
Alabama certainly has a need in the backcourt in the Transfer Portal. Labaron Philon declared for the NBA Draft, and Latrell Wrightsell is out of eligibility. That's not to mention the legal issues for Aden Holloway that have his future up in the air, or the pending NBA Draft decision for star freshman Amari Allen.
Regardless of what happens with Holloway and Allen, Alabama needs a guard. Preferably one that can pack a scoring punch. It's obvious why Oats would have interest in Blackwell, and the Crimson Tide's guard-friendly system is undoubtedly attractive to the All-Big Ten honorable mention performer.
But Blackwell is going to command a significant amount of money, an amount that makes it unlikely that Alabama would ever be a major player for him.
Duke has deep pockets, and Illinois has familial ties that will make it tough to beat. Blackwell's father played basketball at Illinois in the mid-to-late 1980s.
Despite his expanded list, all signs continue to point toward the Wisconsin guard deciding between the Blue Devils and Illini.