While not altogether common in college basketball recruiting, dealing with a prospect rescinding his commitment to your program can be incredibly difficult. New relationships with players and families must be formed, new future plans made.
For the program that then lands the formerly spoken for recruit, often times, it can be an unexpected boost around the office, and in the fan base. Such was the case for LSU when they convinced Antonio Blakeney, once a Louisville commit, to make his pledge to the Tigers.
Name: Antonio Blakeney
Height: 6’4
Position: Shooting Guard
Ranking: Five-star, No. 16 overall
Strengths: First and foremost, Blakeney is a scorer that can get it done from three levels. When he’s at his best, he’s pump faking a defender, stepping inside the three-point line, and either drilling a pull-up or attacking the rim with reckless authority. Let’s start with the first. He has a refined mid-range game for his age, something that aids his inconsistent three-point shooting. At the rim, he finishes through contact thanks to his length, athleticism, and tough mindset. He’s a shot creator, with much of his damage being done off of the bounce. His length makes up for his average size, and helps him be a pest on the defensive end.
Areas to Improve: Blakeney gained a reputation as a shooter, but shot under 30-percent in the Nike EYBL Circuit. That must improve, and his increased maturity with regards to shot selection would go a long way in aiding that. Right now, he settles far too often for his talent level, and he could stand to do a bit more damage off of the ball than he currently does.
