James Blackwell

James Blackwell is a retired American professional basketball player who played as a point guard in the National Basketball Association, Continental Basketball Association, and several international leagues. While in the NBA, he played briefly for the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.

Player Profile

Emmanuel James Blackwell was born on February 25, 1968, in Mount Kisco, New York, United States. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 190 pounds during his playing career.

Blackwell played as a point guard, shot right-handed, and wore jersey numbers 7 and 8 throughout his professional career.

High School and College Career

Blackwell attended Fox Lane High School and Deerfield Academy, where he developed into a standout guard.

He played college basketball at Dartmouth College from 1987 to 1991, establishing himself as one of the top players in the Ivy League.

Professional Career

After going undrafted in the 1991 NBA Draft, Blackwell began his professional career with the Nashville Stars. He played for numerous teams in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), including the Albany Sharp Shooters, Capital Region Pontiacs, Hartford Hellcats, Oklahoma City Cavalry, La Crosse Catbirds, Pittsburgh Piranhas, and La Crosse Bobcats.

Blackwell also had brief stints in the NBA, appearing in 13 games during the 1994–95 season with the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics.

Blackwell’s career also took him overseas, where he played in Spain for Gijón Baloncesto, France for Olympique Antibes, Cholet Basket, and ALM Évreux, Italy for Dinamo Sassari, Turkey for Beşiktaş and Oyak Renault, and in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem.

He was recognized for his defensive prowess and ability to generate steals, making him a valuable asset on both sides of the ball.

Career Highlights

• 1994 – All-CBA Second Team
• 1994, 1995, 1999 – CBA All-Defensive Team
• 1999 – CBA steals leader

• 1999 – Silver medal, Pan American Games (Winnipe, representing the United States