Recruiting Report: Heru Bligen (2019)
Rising up the recruiting boards and attacking the basket this summer is 2019 PG Heru Bligen. After a breakout freshman season at St. Andrew’s (MD), the 6-1 point guard is definitely the next big name to watch in the DMV…
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Continue ReadingRising up the recruiting boards and attacking the basket this summer is 2019 PG Heru Bligen.
After a breakout freshman season at St. Andrew’s (MD), the 6-1 point guard is definitely the next big name to watch in the DMV after gaining much exposure across elite camps and tournaments this summer.
Following his play at the Navy Elite Camp, Bligen received his first official offer from Navy the same day.
Despite no other official interest coming in at this point, multiple elite camp invites including to Richmond and UMBC indicate other D1 programs have had their interest peeked by the rising prospect.
Other than the pure raw talent that Bligen possesses, the point guard was able to refine his skills and learn a lot from a veteran heavy roster at St. Andrew’s (MD) this past season, where he averaged 9.2 PPG and about 84% from the free throw line.
“It was a lot of learning. I got to see different ways to play the game. The older seniors and juniors taught me to slow down because I’m very fast, to slow down on the break. They showed me how to be a point guard and get my IQ higher,” said the point guard.
“As far as my role, it was more defense and offense; just playing hard every night and contributing to the seniors and juniors, showing them what I’m capable of,” he continued.
Although St. Andrew’s (MD) came up short of achieving the MAC title in 2016, leaving him hungry to push harder and win the championship next season, Bligen saw a great deal of improvement in his game due to what he was able to learn from the veteran players.
“It got way better. My confidence level went higher. My IQ was higher, and I just developed more as a point guard.”
That progress blended over into his time with Team Takeover, where he played with another team with plenty of veteran talent.
“AAU is more of a fast tempo than my high school. It allowed me to play more to my speed and strength. It allowed me to attack the basket and contribute more to my teammates. It carried over from [my high school] season also,” said Bligen.
Having the chance to go and play with the squad at the Peach Jam and Las Vegas Fab 48 tournaments, the point guard gained more valuable experience and playing time.
Bligen tells PHM that he currently prefers “driving to the basket” while also utilizing a mid-range game alongside strong defense on the opposite side of the court.
“[My defense] is great; trying to stop; always checking the best player; really competitive,” said the point guard.
His main focuses to improve include “shooting off-the-dribble and three-point shooting” in order to round out his offensive game.
Bligen will look to continue to shine this week as he will appear at two showcase events in the span of a few days.
“I will be going to the Hoop Group All-American Camp on Wednesday and then the UMBC Elite Camp on Saturday,” said the St. Andrew’s (MD) player.
The 2019 prospect finished off his interview providing the traits that he believes truly define him as a player; Bligen impresses with this list too.
“Leadership; able to get my team involved; bringing 110% every game.”
Look out for the name Heru Bligen over the next few years.