Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Meet The Washington Wizards First Pre-Draft Invitees

By Ryan Eugene

Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) drives around defender Purdue Boilermakers guard Carsen Edwards (3) during the first half of the game in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) drives around defender Purdue Boilermakers guard Carsen Edwards (3) during the first half of the game in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Feb 25, 2017; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. (1) drives to the basket against Northwestern Wildcats guard Bryant McIntosh (30) at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. (1) drives to the basket against Northwestern Wildcats guard Bryant McIntosh (30) at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

2016-17 Stats: 30 GP, 17 PPG , 4.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 47.7 FG%, 42.3 3P%

James Blackmon Jr. finished his junior season as the leader in three-pointers made per game in the Big Ten (3.0). He’s known primarily for his accurate shooting, and led the Hoosiers in PPG and minutes per game.

Surprisingly, his 42.3% shooting from deep was not the best percentage of his career. During his sophomore year he shot 46.3%.

However, he only played in 13 games that year because of a knee injury. After his freshman year he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

More from Wiz of Awes

Then, only 13 games in to his second season he required season-ending surgery because of a non-contact injury to his right knee.

Blackmon probably could have benefitted from another year to prove to NBA teams that he can stay healthy, and improve his playmaking abilities. But, staying in college could have also backfired if he sustained another injury to his knees.

Among his most impressive games this season, was when he scored 33 points against Michigan State. He shot 11-16 from the field and 6-10 from three in that matchup.

Alternatively, he struggled in back-to-back games against then #6 and #13 Wisconsin, showing that better talent could potentially stifle his offensive explosions.

At 6’4″ he has ample size, with an above average 6’8″ wingspan, but didn’t show his defensive potential in college.

He’s currently ranked 91 on DraftExpress’ top 100 prospects.

Home/Wizards Draft