2021 Introduction: Jalen Blackmon
The class of 2021 is starting to get on the radar and our new series, 2021 Introductions, will bring to light some of the names you need to know. This is a quick profile series of some of the top names in the class along with our overall thoughts and projections moving forward. Today, we introduce Marion (IN) guard Jalen Blackmon.
Jalen Blackmon
HT: 5’11
POS: PG
HS: Marion
AAU: Indy Heat 2021
The 2021 class has quite a few names to remember but one familiar to most will be that of Jalen Blackmon. The 5’11 and growing guard is one of the best young talents in the state and he’s already on his way to becoming a to scorer in the state.
Blackmon is a really quick-paced lead guard with a quick trigger from distance. He’s really good in transition where he can make some plays to get easy buckets. Much more geared towards scoring at this point but he’s got the potential to by a dynamic playmaker. Along with that, he should continue to grow like his older brothers and add height and strength quickly with his long, lanky frame.
Jalen has some dynamic speed and ball handling ability and that has allowed him so far to really be able to break guys down off the dribble. Really, he’s able to score in about every fashion already, very advanced for his age but not unexpected. As it all comes together, you have seen even this past high school season his ability to put up massive numbers and lead his team early in his career.
What To Watch For: The biggest thing to watch for with Jalen is his efficiency. How he scores the ball will be an interesting angle with that because he does get to the rim so well and finishes pretty strong, however, even his freshman season at Marion showed he can be a quick trigger shooter. Over the course of the season, he seemed to clean it up and improve. More strides in that area could really propel him forward and make him a nightmare to defend.