The McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American, Scholastic Coach All-American, USA Today All-American, and Mr. Basketball runner-up in the state of Indiana chose to play basketball at Kentucky with offers from other multiple elite basketball schools.
James Blackmon Sr. totaled 866 points, 314 rebounds, 271 assists and 149 steals, while starting three out of his four years as a Wildcat. Blackmon played in the 1984 Final Four as a freshman and served as co-captain during his senior year.
Blackmon was drafted 94th overall in the 5th round of the 1987 NBA Draft to the New Jersey Nets. However, Blackmon never played a game; he was cut following a trade that put the roster over the limit.