ETHAN BLACKMON – RIVERHAWKS MEN’S BASKETBALL
You only get one chance to make a first impression to build trust between two people. And for Ethan Blackmon, it was the first impression made during the recruiting process that ultimately led the RiverHawks junior to Northeastern State University.
“Growing up in north Texas, my grandmother raised me,” said Blackmon, a 2023 graduate of Lewisville High School. “After reclassifying, I wasn’t sure what my future would be. Coach Havens and the other coaches never wavered in their encouragement, love and support for me. Making the decision to come to NSU felt right from the first time we met because of how much they cared for me as a person as well as a basketball player.”
The decision has been rewarding for the six-foot-seven forward including last year becoming one of the top scorers in the M-I-A-A averaging 16.5 points per game and leading the prestigious conference in rebounding averaging 7.7 rebounds.
“Honestly, I was kind of giddy during my freshman year. But last year, I tried to relax and play like coach Havens wants me to play. Keep the pace of play up, set hard ball screens, get myself open and things opened up for me to become a better player.”
His on-court performance simultaneously created opportunities to enter the transfer portal but Blackmon ultimately decided to stay in the RiverHawks nest.
“When I did look around, other schools were more about business, unlike here at NSU where coach Havens has always just been straight up and honest with me,” said Blackmon. “It’s hard to get that kind of straightforward approach these days because college sports has become all about money rather than about me as a person.”
Defining himself as a person who is funny and honest, Blackmon’s desire to be a caring person defines his every decision. And the caring for him as a person and not just a basketball player he’s experienced at Northeastern State University reinforces daily his initial decision to choose NSU.
“It’s more than just my teammates and coaches working together; all of my professors go out of their way to provide opportunities for success,” said Blackmon, who continues his pursuit of a college degree as a Sports Science major. “Every teacher, both online and in-person instructors gives you their undivided attention. They come to our games; they check on me and want to know about me as a person, not just a another student on their roster. It’s another example of caring that makes me glad I chose to become a RiverHawk.”
And while his basketball career continues, Ethan Blackmon is eager to recruit any prospective college student to follow in his footsteps and choose Northeastern State University to find success.
“We’ve got everything you can want from a college experience. Whatever field of study, campus life is fun, and teachers care. You become part of the community that’s family oriented where little kids and their parents know you by name and high five you after games. You’ll always be glad you chose NSU.”
