Dillard University Bleu Devils add New York/New Jersey standout Karon Blackwell to basketball program

2-Times NY/NJ All-State combo guard Karon Blackwell becomes first signee at Dillard University under new head men's basketball coach Mike Newell.  Karon is the son of former NFL Giants cornerback Kory Blackwell.  In the photo are Karon and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Kory Blackwell.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- The Dillard University Bleu Devils basketball team added combo guard Karon Blackwell (pronounced Kay-Ron) The Robinson Preparatory Academy in Newark, New Jersey, to its 2015-16 recruiting class. Blackwell, a 6'3" 190 lb. native of Deer Park, New York, is an incoming freshman from

"We are excited to have Karon join our program," said head coach Mike Newell. He comes from a good program and was a major contributor to the Robinson Academy's success last season." Robinson Academy finished ranked number one in the country among prep schools.

Blackwell is a two-time All-State selection and also a three-time All-Suffolk League IV as well as two-time Long-Island selection at Deer Park High School as a senior. In his senior season, Blackwell helped lead Deer Park to an 18-4 record including a perfect 14-0 Suffolk League IV mark. He averaged 17.5 points while leading the Falcons to their second straight Suffolk County championship game appearance. Blackwell was ranked one of the top 15 players in New York City by sports fanatic website Rivals.com that year.


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"I am very excited that I got a scholarship because this is what I always wanted, a chance to go to school without worrying too much about financial issues," said Blackwell. "I have a dream to go to the [NBA] so I have to do big things in college."

It is clear to see how elated, excited and proud his family members are, especially his father.

"It means everything to me," said Kory Blackwell, who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Giants. "He is following in the footsteps of his father by going to college and playing a sport. It gives hope for the other youngsters," he added.

In his one season at the Robinson Prep Academy, Blackwell averaged eight points, six assists and four rebounds. Last year he was lauded as the 2014 Long Island Player of the Year and was also named as the Suffolk County Boys Basketball Player of the Year by Newsday.

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