Wisconsin Badgers: John Blackwell Goes Full Ethan Happ With Huge Freshman Feat

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 1/23/24

Freshman guard John Blackwell is a gift that keeps on giving for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is also someone who keeps on earning honors in the Big Ten, as he added yet another Big Ten Freshman of the Week award to his resume. Not only that but he just became the first freshman since former Badgers star Ethan Happ to be handed the award at least three times, as noted by Brandon Harrison,

For the third time, John Blackwell is Big Ten Freshman of the Week JB is the first @BadgerMBB freshman to earn the honor 3+ times since Ethan Happ in 2015-16

Blackwell’s latest FOTW award came on the heels of his impressive performance in the Wisconsin Badgers’ 91-79 home win against the Indiana Hoosiers last Friday. Blackwell scored 12 points and added four rebounds while shooting 4-for-6 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the 3-point region. Prior to that, Blackwell dropped 14 points, albeit in an 87-83 road loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions on Jan. 16.

It is also worth noting that Blackwell is just one of five freshmen in the history of Badgers basketball to pocket more than one Freshman of the Week award. Apart from Happ, Brad Davidson, Nigel Hayes, and Sam Dekker (twice) pulled off the same feat during their respective time in Madison.

On the season, Blackwell is averaging 9.1 points and 3.6 rebounds, while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 51.5 percent from behind the arc.

John Blackwell, Wisconsin Badgers Looking to Sustain Form in Upcoming Meeting With Minnesota

The Badgers, who are currently ranked 13th by the Associated Press, will hit the road for a Tuesday game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, as Wisconsin looks to build another win streak. Wisconsin will enter the Minnesota game with a 14-4 overall record and a 6-1 slate in conference play.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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