Prospect Spotlight: Ryan Blum (2021)
Already with an accomplished high school career under his belt, Ryan Blum is looking to the future and has a bright one ahead.
As a freshman, the 6-foot-3 small forward was critical to Glenwood’s state title run. He averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds last season, and he’s only continued to get better since.
“I think I’ve evolved into an off-the-dribble shooter, I’ve been working a lot with my coaches. And I feel like my defensive skills have gotten a lot better this season. Also, I hit the corner 3 pretty well,” said Blum.
Last season, Blum started off with the JV squad, but after showing out in varsity practices, and getting a vote of confidence from two senior standouts, he made his way into the regular varsity rotation.
“The season started out and I was mainly on JV, suiting varsity. And as the season went on, I was playing well in practice, and my brother (Andrew Blum) and Nate (Mohr) stepped in and vouched for me,” said Ryan. “They got me my chance, and I proved I could be there.”
Next season, Glenwood will again be very good, and Ryan will have a big role in what he hopes is a repeat state title run.
“My role will be a lot the same, I’ll just take more shots,” he said. “And we’ll be smaller, so I’ll have to rebound more.”
Still quite young, recruitment is something that will pick up for Ryan down the road. But, it’s not something that’s foreign to him now. One D2 school has already gotten involved early in the process.
“I’ve talked to Wayne State a little bit and went to their camp, that’s really about it,” said Blum.
This past spring, Ryan played 15U ball with adidas-sponsored program Omaha Sports Academy. He’ll play with them again this summer.
“We’re doing pretty good, and I’m starting to mesh well with the guys,” Ryan said. “We’ve been all over, and each tournament we’re really moving the ball better. This summer should be good.”