MINNEAPOLIS — John Blackwell was a freshman making his first postseason appearance for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team on Thursday afternoon, as hard as that was to believe at times. That postseason debut didn’t arrive until 4 minutes, 19 seconds had elapsed in the game because — and this has become a point of contention for some in the fan base but not for the player himself — Blackwell is not a starter for the Badgers.
Wisconsin men's basketball opens Big Ten Tournament play vs. Maryland
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin forward Steven Crowl, center, works toward the basket as Maryland forward Donta Scott, left, and guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit (11) works toward the basket as Maryland guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard Jahmir Young reacts after missing a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard Jahmir Young (1) reacts after missing a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin forward Steven Crowl, right, shoots over Maryland forward Julian Reese during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn (23) works toward the basket as Maryland guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin players celebrate during the first half of a 31-point win over Maryland in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Abbie Parr, Associated Press
Wisconsin forward Carter Gilmore, center, celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Maryland in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard DeShawn Harris-Smith, right, works toward the basket as Wisconsin forward Markus Ilver, left, defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard Jahmir Young hugs head coach Kevin Willard while checking out of the game during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland forward Julian Reese (10) shoots over Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter (31) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin guard Connor Essegian (3) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the second half against Maryland on Thursday.
Abbie Parr, Associated Press
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard, center, watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Maryland in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard Jahmir Young (1) handles the ball as Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit, left, defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit (11) drives toward the basket as Maryland guard DeShawn Harris-Smith (5) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland forward Julian Reese jogs down the court after missing a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland forward Donta Scott (24) works toward the basket as Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl (5) and guard AJ Storr (2) defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl, center, looks to shoot while defended by Maryland guard Jahmir Young (1) and forward Julian Reese (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Abbie Parr
Maryland guard Noah Batchelor (11) passes the ball while defended by Wisconsin guards AJ Storr, back left, Kamari McGee, front left, and Wisconsin John Blackwell (25) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
