As a 6-foot guard with near intergalactic 3-point range, New York native John Blackwood provided timely three point shooting during a prep season at Lee Academy in the New England.
In making conditioning a livelihood, Blackwood was able to trim down from 225 to 188 pounds.
The body transformation not only made the unsigned 2022 prospect quicker off his feet, it enabled him to add new pieces to his off the dribble and one on one scoring arsenal.
A high academic prospect, Blackwood is now more prone to attack the rim and finish in ambidextrous fashion. He relishes contact and proved during the prep year, he could play a bit above his size with his forays to the rim and defensive physicality.
Playing an arduous schedule that includes NEPSAC teams and traditional heavy hitters, he brings a seasoned presence and newfound swagger and grit to his game.
Though he was able to score the ball prolifically as a catch and stick threat at NYS/Class C Schoharie HS, Blackwood knew he would have to make tweaks to his game to better prepare himself for the next level.
“Transitioning to the prep environment, I really focused on body transformation. Getting my body right was a priority,” said Blackwood, who had multiple games of 15+ points and four 3-pointers or more during his prep season.
“Just being able to play at the quickened pace, I knew I had to get lighter and quicker. Buying into that process and becoming more lean has definitely helped me with my all around game and being more of a fluid athlete who can score it in a variety of ways.”
Blackwood’s coming out party occurred during a win over Canada Top Flight Academy. While he scored 14 points, he applied hard and straitjacket defense (an area of his game that had been lacking) all across the court.
He sprawled onto the floor for loose balls and kicked in timely assists. This performance, more so than any other, was a portent of his growth as a player.
Now at a more svelte 188 pounds, Blackwood is looking to prolong his career as a shooter with range who has converted into a combination guard with a newfound desire to play confrontational defense.
