Nevada's Kenan Blackshear Erupts in Christmas Eve Win Over Georgia Tech
Kenan Blackshear, a slashing, athletic 6-foot-6 prospect out of Nevada, has remained under the radar in terms of his possible NBA Draft placement in 2024.
While not being regarded as a lock in either round of the draft next summer thus far, he's beginning to make a real campaign throughout the start of his fifth college season.
Blackshear especially staked his claim Sunday night in Nevada's 72-64 victory over Georgia Tech — eclipsing 30 points on 78.6% shooting, getting to the free throw stripe a number of times and adding four assists, two steals and a block.
For the 215-pound point guard, his knack as both a scorer and facilitator around the rim come effortlessly, utilizing his strength, size and athleticism to out-muscle smaller defenders — and when the help comes, he possesses the awareness to find the open man and passing skill to connect.
Defensively, his proficiency as a perimeter defender is paramount to his ability to land somewhere in the draft next June. With his large stature, lateral mobility and extensive wing span, he holds the ideal archetype as a defender to the modern NBA guard, and even smaller wings.
But, just as immense to his possible draft landing, is his 3-point efficacy — which is his most glaring liability as a pro prospect. As a guard, it's difficult to secure an established role in the league as a non-existent 3-point shooter without being a lockdown defender, or a greatly proficient scorer within the first two levels.
Blackshear shoots 20% from distance currently, the worst he's shot from three since his freshman season at Florida Atlantic — where he'd spend two whole seasons before transferring to Nevada.
He's progressively waded the 3-point shot out of his game within the last three years with the Wolf Pack, going from 2.6 shots from long range to just 0.8 now 13 games into 2023-24.
The season where he averaged his most shots from three was the best he's shot from that spot on the court, as he averaged 34.1% from outside two years ago.
It's something he can get back to. But from the style in which he's competing, and with Nevadas 12-1 record, to display his 3-point prowess could only come at the need of his desire to prove his capability.
Blackshear could potentially find himself near the back end of the second round if he plays his cards right and continues to produce as he has, but reestablishing his 3-point shot would only help his draft stock.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.