Amanda Knapp
James Kumar Blackmon Jr. is an American basketball player who played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. Blackmon Jr. was a highly sought-after recruit, with many of the nation's top programs pursuing him. He ultimately chose Indiana over other finalists, including Kentucky and Michigan, citing the diligence of coach Tom Crean in recruiting him and the opportunity to impact the program as major factors in his decision. Blackmon Jr. played three seasons for the Hoosiers before leaving in 2017. During his time with the team, he was a prolific three-point shooter and earned several accolades, including Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and Big Ten Freshman of the Week. However, his career was also marked by injuries, including knee surgeries in 2016 that caused him to miss significant playing time. As of 2025, Blackmon Jr. is playing for the Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League in Belgium. While he won't be suiting up for Indiana's alumni-based team, Assembly Ball, he remains connected to the Hoosiers, wearing their colours during a recent visit to Bloomington.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | James Kumar Blackmon Jr. |
| Birth Date | April 25, 1995 |
| Parents | James Blackmon Sr. and Sailaja Blackmon |
| Siblings | Vijay Blackmon and Jalen Blackmon |
| High School | Bishop Luers High School, Marion High School |
| College | Indiana Hoosiers |
| Position | Guard |
| Notable Achievements | McDonald's All-American, Parade All-American, Indiana freshman record for three-point field goals |
| Injuries | Knee injury, two knee surgeries in 2016 |
| Current Team | Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League |
| Assembly Ball Participation | No |
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What You'll Learn
- James Blackmon Jr. commits to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2014
- Blackmon Jr. is a talented three-point shooter
- Blackmon Jr. suffered a knee injury that left him out for two seasons
- Blackmon Jr.'s father played college basketball at Kentucky
- Blackmon Jr. won't be playing for Assembly Ball, Indiana's alumni team
James Blackmon Jr. commits to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2014
James Blackmon Jr. is a talented basketball player who committed to the Indiana Hoosiers in 2014. Blackmon Jr. had been a long-time recruit for IU, having verbally committed as early as 2010. However, in 2013, he reopened his recruitment, attracting interest from top programs like Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, and Kansas. Despite this, he ultimately chose to recommit to Indiana, citing the diligence of coach Tom Crean in recruiting him and the opportunity to impact the program as major factors in his decision.
Blackmon Jr.'s commitment to the Hoosiers was significant, as he was a highly-rated prospect, ranked No. 31 in the 2014 class by 247Composite. Standing at 6'2" or 6'4"", he was a talented shooter and scorer, averaging 33.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game as a junior at Bishop Luers HS in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was expected to bolster Indiana's perimeter rotation in 2014, alongside fellow recruit Robert Johnson.
Blackmon Jr.'s decision to commit to Indiana was announced on Thursday evening, live on ESPNU during halftime of the Louisiana-Monroe/Troy football game. This announcement made him Indiana's second or third verbal commitment for the 2014 class, depending on the source. He had made an unofficial visit to Bloomington, Indiana, the week before his decision, which may have played a role in his choice.
Unfortunately, Blackmon Jr.'s time with the Indiana Hoosiers was marred by injuries. He lost two seasons due to a knee injury and left the team after his junior season in 2017. Despite these setbacks, he found success and fulfillment in his basketball career, playing for Indiana's alumni-based team, Assembly Ball, and continuing his journey with the game in Belgium in 2025.
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Blackmon Jr. is a talented three-point shooter
James Kumar Blackmon Jr., born on April 25, 1995, is an American basketball player. He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers for three seasons. Blackmon Jr. is a talented three-point shooter, ranking second on the team in scoring and rebounding (5.3). During his freshman year, he broke Eric Gordon's Indiana freshman record with 77 three-point field goals made. This earned him Honourable Mention All-Big Ten, a unanimous spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team, and he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice.
Blackmon Jr. was a highly sought-after recruit, with many of the nation's top programs pursuing him. He ultimately chose Indiana over other finalists, including Kentucky, Michigan, and Michigan State. Blackmon Jr. cited Indiana's diligence in recruiting him and finding the right fit as major factors in his decision. He felt that Indiana was where his heart was and that he could help the team immediately.
Blackmon Jr.'s talent and scoring ability were evident from the start. Before joining Indiana, he played at Bishop Luers High School, where he averaged 33.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game as a junior. His talent and potential made him a monumental addition to the Indiana Hoosiers.
However, Blackmon Jr.'s career has also been impacted by injuries. He has undergone multiple knee surgeries, causing him to lose two seasons of play. Despite these setbacks, he has persevered and continued to develop his skills. In 2025, he is set to play in Belgium, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Blackmon Jr.'s journey with the Indiana Hoosiers may have come to a close, but his impact on the team and his talent as a three-point shooter are undeniable. His love for the game and determination to overcome injuries have shaped his career, and he continues to pursue basketball opportunities both domestically and internationally.
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Blackmon Jr. suffered a knee injury that left him out for two seasons
James Kumar Blackmon Jr., an American basketball player, has had a challenging journey marked by injuries and perseverance. Blackmon Jr.'s knee injury and subsequent two-year absence from the sport serve as a testament to his resilience.
Blackmon Jr.'s knee injury occurred during his time at Indiana University, where he played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. He had a promising career ahead of him, with impressive statistics and a family legacy in the sport. Blackmon Jr.'s father, James Blackmon Sr., played in the NBA after a successful career at Kentucky, and his brother, Vijay, was also a member of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.
During his freshman year, Blackmon Jr. excelled, averaging 15.7 points per game, which was the sixth-best average for any freshman in the country. He ranked second on the team in both scoring and rebounding. However, his season was cut short by a right knee injury, which required surgery. This injury pattern repeated itself during his sophomore year, as he underwent another knee surgery, this time to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. These injuries caused him to miss significant playing time and impacted his performance.
Following his junior season in 2017, Blackmon Jr. left Indiana and embarked on a professional career. He spent time in the NBA G-League, playing for the Delaware 87ers and the Wisconsin Herd. Unfortunately, his dream of playing in the NBA was cut short, and he took his talents overseas, signing with VL Pesaro in Milan, Italy. Blackmon Jr. thrived in his first year in Italy, averaging 20 points, 3.7 rebounds, and two assists per game. He then moved to Istanbul, Turkey, where he continued to put up impressive numbers.
However, Blackmon Jr.'s playing time decreased in 2021-22, and he suffered another significant knee injury. This injury sidelined him for two years, requiring a lengthy and challenging recovery process. During this time away from the court, Blackmon Jr. worked on his mental strength, evolving as a person and gaining a new perspective. He returned to Bloomington, Indiana, reconnecting with former teammates and mentors, and reflecting on his journey.
In 2025, Blackmon Jr. signed a one-year contract to play in Belgium, marking his return to professional basketball. He joined the Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League, determined to reignite his career. At 30 years old, he is grateful for the opportunity to play again and rebuild himself as a player. While he did not participate in Assembly Ball's recent tournament, his connection to Bloomington and Indiana remains strong.
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Blackmon Jr.'s father played college basketball at Kentucky
James Blackmon Jr. is a former Indiana Hoosiers guard who played three seasons in Bloomington. Blackmon Jr. is the son of James Blackmon Sr., who played college basketball at the University of Kentucky. Blackmon Sr. scored 886 points during his four years at the university and was the runner-up for Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1983. He was drafted into the NBA after his college career and now coaches at Marion High School.
Blackmon Jr. cited Indiana's diligence in recruiting him and finding the right fit as major factors in his decision to commit to the Hoosiers. He said, "The way coach (Tom) Crean recruited me as a main priority and just the way that I see myself impacting the program. Keeping Indiana back on top, I think I can get them back on top and where they need to be." Blackmon Jr. added that he couldn't imagine himself not playing for the fans of Indiana basketball.
Blackmon Jr. was a highly sought-after recruit, with many of the nation's top programs pursuing him. His finalists included Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, and Kansas. He verbally committed to Indiana in 2010 and was expected to be part of the 2014 class. However, he did not officially commit until 2013, choosing the Hoosiers over Kentucky and Michigan.
Blackmon Jr.'s career at Indiana was impacted by injuries, particularly to his knees. He underwent multiple surgeries during his time with the Hoosiers and lost two seasons due to a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, he found success on the court, leading the team in scoring during their five-game preseason Canada trip and breaking Eric Gordon's Indiana freshman record for three-point field goals made.
After leaving Indiana following his junior season in 2017, Blackmon Jr. entered the NBA draft and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers as an undrafted free agent. He then played for various teams in the Turkish League and Basketball Champions League before signing a 1-year deal with the Leuven Bears of the BNXT League in Belgium in 2025.
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Blackmon Jr. won't be playing for Assembly Ball, Indiana's alumni team
James Kumar Blackmon Jr., born on April 25, 1995, is an American basketball player. He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers and is a former Indiana men's basketball standout. Blackmon Jr. was a highly sought-after recruit, ultimately committing to Indiana University in 2013, becoming the program's third verbal commitment in the class. He was considered a monumental addition to the team and was expected to make an immediate impact.
However, Blackmon Jr.'s journey with the Indiana Hoosiers was marked by injuries. He underwent multiple knee surgeries, causing him to lose two seasons of play. Despite these setbacks, he excelled during his time on the court, ranking second on the team in scoring and rebounding. He also broke Indiana freshman records for three-point field goals made.
Following his junior season in 2017, Blackmon Jr. left Indiana. He has since undergone a journey of self-discovery and found fulfillment outside of playing for Assembly Ball, Indiana's alumni-based team. While he is back in Indiana and surrounded by former teammates, he will be playing in Belgium in 2025 for the Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League.
Blackmon Jr.'s decision not to suit up for Assembly Ball doesn't diminish his impact on Indiana basketball. He remains a beloved figure among fans and has fond memories of his time with the Hoosiers. While he won't be representing Indiana's alumni team, Blackmon Jr.'s legacy within Indiana basketball circles is undeniable.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Blackmon is not back for Indiana Basketball. James Blackmon Jr. left Indiana after his junior season in 2017. He is currently playing for the Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League in Belgium.
Blackmon Jr. left Indiana after his junior season due to a knee injury that left him out of basketball for two years.
No, Blackmon Jr. was a long-time IU recruit. He verbally committed to Indiana in 2010 and was expected to be part of the 2014 class.
After leaving Indiana, Blackmon Jr. underwent knee surgery and recovery. He then went on to play for the Stella Artois Leuven Bears of the BNXT League in Belgium.
Blackmon Jr. was a talented shooting guard for Indiana.
