This article explores Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo's candid reflections on Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, emphasizing Izzo's admiration for Blackwell's skills and his personal regret over not recruiting him to Michigan State.
Izzo's Unfulfilled Recruitment: A Tale of Talent and Missed Opportunity
Coach Izzo's High Praise for Wisconsin's Backcourt
During a recent press conference, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo openly lauded the prowess of Wisconsin's backcourt, particularly highlighting the exceptional talent of guard John Blackwell. These commendations come in anticipation of the Spartans' upcoming clash with the Badgers. Following Wisconsin's decisive victory against Illinois, where Boyd and Blackwell together amassed 49 points, five rebounds, and nine assists, Izzo declared that their backcourt pairing might be unparalleled, not only within their conference but potentially across the entire collegiate basketball landscape.
Blackwell's Dominance on the Court
Izzo continued to shower praise on Blackwell, expressing a personal fondness for the player, despite being an opponent. He characterized Blackwell as a formidable, robust, and versatile athlete capable of driving to the basket, shooting from beyond the arc, and distributing the ball effectively. The coach emphatically stated that Blackwell stands out as one of the league's premier players, underscoring his comprehensive skill set.
A Recruiting Regret: The Homegrown Talent That Got Away
A significant part of Izzo's discussion revolved around his deep regret concerning Blackwell's recruitment. Hailing from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Blackwell received only one Power Four conference offer, which came from Wisconsin. Despite his early commitment to the Badgers, Michigan State's recruitment efforts began too late in the process. Izzo, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, openly admits his oversight, playfully suggesting he'd 'fire all his assistants' for the lapse, only to concede that he, as head coach, shared the blame for not recognizing Blackwell's potential sooner.
Izzo's Acknowledgment of a Missed Gem
Izzo explained that by the time he genuinely focused on Blackwell, it was already too late, as Wisconsin had already garnered the guard's commitment. He admired Blackwell's decisiveness and clear vision for his future, traits he found appealing. Izzo candidly confessed that failing to recruit Blackwell stands as one of his few regrets, citing Blackwell's 'complete package' as a player. This sentiment underscores the profound impact Blackwell has made and the missed opportunity for Michigan State.
Blackwell's Impressive Performance and NBA Prospects
In the 2025-26 season, Blackwell has been performing exceptionally, averaging 33.5 minutes, 18.7 points, five rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His strong performance has placed him at No. 65 on ESPN's 2026 NBA draft big board as of February 12. Continued stellar play, especially in high-profile games against ranked opponents like the Spartans, is expected to further boost his draft standing. Blackwell's critical role in determining the outcome of Friday's game highlights his growing influence and importance to the Wisconsin tea
