The 2026 NBA Combine is set to showcase some of the brightest basketball talent from Wisconsin, with two standout Badgers guards leading the charge. Nick Boyd and John Blackwell have officially received their invitations to the prestigious event in Chicago, giving them the chance to prove themselves in front of NBA scouts and executives.

For Blackwell, this opportunity marks the culmination of a remarkable journey. After three standout seasons with the Badgers—where he scored over 1,500 points and became a fan favorite—he recently announced his transfer to Duke. But before he suits up for the Blue Devils, he's testing the NBA draft waters. It's a smart move for a player who was only offered a scholarship by one high-major program coming out of high school: Wisconsin. Now, he's on the verge of potentially making the leap to the next level.

Boyd's story is equally impressive. In his lone season as Wisconsin's starting point guard, he made history by becoming the first Badger to average over 20 points per game since Michael Finley in 1995. His journey to Madison was anything but conventional—he spent four years at Florida Atlantic and one at San Diego State before transferring to Wisconsin. But once he arrived, he made an immediate impact, leading the team with poise and scoring prowess.

The Badgers aren't the only Wisconsin natives heading to Chicago. Former Pewaukee standout Milan Momcilovic and Ashwaubenon's Amari Allen also earned combine invitations, joining the 73-player field. For fans of Wisconsin basketball, this is a proud moment—a testament to the state's deep talent pool and the programs that continue to develop elite players.

Whether these players hear their names called on draft night or return to college for another season, one thing is clear: Wisconsin's basketball future is in good hands.