Blackett Makes College Decision

Jeff Blackett, a 6-7, 210 pound combination forward from Salt Lake C.C. in Salt Lake City, Ut., has orally committed to the University of Hawaii.

According to SLCC Head Coach Norm Parrish, Blackett took an official visit to Hawaii last weekend (Oct. 11-13), and also had serious interest this fall from Weber State, Pacific, Creighton, Idaho State and Texas El Paso.

"I wouldn't say that Jeff is a three point shooter, but he's a face up, 15 to 17 foot guy who is very athletic," Parrish said. "He has all of the tools to be a really good three man, in terms of the body and the shooting skills, but he needs to work on finishing with the dribble and using both hands comfortably on the perimeter."

Blackett was one of the better freshmen in the rugged Scenic West Athletic Conference a year ago. He's a little older than your typical junior college sophomore, because like many practicing Mormons, he went on an LDS Church mission following his high school career.

Back in high school, Blackett played in the post, so in some regards, his overall perimeter game is a work in progress. But he should fit in well with the Hawaii program, which has carved a nice niche with international players and junior college transfers under Head Coach Riley Wallace.

Blackett will sign a national letter of intent with the Rainbow Warrior program in November and have two years of eligibility at the Western Athletic Conference school.