Indiana Hoosiers: James Blackmon Big Ten’s Diaper Dandy

Justin Albers, a writer for All Hoosiers, the Indiana University affiliate of Scout.com, was posed a question during Saturday night’s game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Lamar Cardinals: who was the last Indiana University basketball freshman as exciting as James Blackmon?

His response?

A lofty, lofty praise, but a deserved one.

In the game, Blackmon finished with 21 points, 15 of those coming on three-pointers. It was the third game out of four this season he’s eclipsed the 20-point mark, and he managed 19 points in the other contest. His 22.8 points per game is not only leading the Hoosiers, but is second in the Big Ten in scoring and 9th in Division I.

The most impressive part of Blackmon’s game is the array of ways he scores. He’s a deadly three-point shooter at 64% from deep this year. His 16 made field goals ranks him at a tie for third in the nation. Yet on two-point field goals, he’s still shooting exactly 50% and is getting to the line nearly six times a game, converting 91.3% from the charity stripe.

Most importantly, he’s providing the Hoosiers with a viable scoring option outside of Yogi Ferrell, unlike last season’s squad. Without having to be the go-to guy, Ferrell’s PER is up, his true shooting percentage is up, he’s getting to the basket more, and he’s finding teammates more.

Blackmon’s already done it on the big stage this year, pouring in his season high 26 points in the Hoosiers upset victory over then-ranked SMU. He’ll have another opportunity on a bigger stage come early December when the Hoosiers meet Louisville in Madison Square Garden. By then, this diaper dandy may turn into an official PTPer.