SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Indiana University’s James Blackmon Jr. has made it official: he announced via his Instagram page Monday that he remains committed to being drafted to play in the NBA, and will sign with an agent soon.
The announcement by the Hoosiers shooting guard to participate in the NBA’s June draft came just days after he walked across the stage to receive his degree from Indiana University.
At age 22, Blackmon Jr. is hoping to become just the third Hoosiers product to find himself an agent from the squad’s current team. Teammates OG Anunoby and Thomas Bryant have already signed with agents. Playing two seasons in Bloomington, Blackmon started 45 games and averaged 15.7 points per game. The Chicago-born player, whose mother is Indian American, ranks ninth on storied basketball program’s all-time scoring list.
“I would like to thank my family for being there through all of the ups and the downs,” Blackmon wrote on Instagram. “I would like to thank my teammates, who have became brothers to me, for pushing me everyday. I would like to thank the fans and everyone who has supported me throughout my career at Indiana University. I would like to thank God for allowing me to play a game I love. With that being said, after much reflection and discussion with my family, I have decided to remain in the 2017 NBA Draft and sign with an agent.”
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He wrote that after graduating in three years, “I am thrilled to take the next step in my basketball career and pursue a lifelong dream.”
Blackmon added: “The past three years have been an amazing ride. Through blood, sweat, and tears, putting on that Indiana Jersey every game and playing in front of die hard Indiana fans was an honor and privilege.The past three years have brought memories and relationships I will never forget. Bloomington will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you Hoosier Nation! #newbeginnings –JBJ.”
