Donovan Blackman 6’1 150 2024 Team Vito Unlimited
Donovan really taps into his length and explosiveness nicely as a shifty and slippery basket attacking wing. He can create his own shot with ease as he demonstrates an explosive first step and great quickness with the dribble. His ability to contort his body and finish around contact is impressive and he has the ability to finish at a good rate from different angles either using the glass or with runners. Great touch! He changes speeds and just blows right by many defenders when he sees the slightest opportunity to attack the rim and uses his rangy strides and length to slice his way through and around defenders with elusiveness and creativity. His first step so quick and the quickness with which he can eat up space keeps defenders on their heels and Donovan has really complimented that with his quick elevation and efficiency hitting the pull-up jumper. He’s so fluid as he rises up off a one or two dribble pull-ups, almost poetic it’s so fluid and even more dramatic given the great burst he uses to create separation before launching into his pull-ups.
Donovan’s shot mechanics are sound, elevates nicely, and has a high release allowing him to easily shoot over many guards. Out of triple threat, he can sweep and just blow right by most defenders. Off the ball, he makes great cuts to get open, reads the defense nicely, and is very good on catch and shoot jumpers again showing fluidity and touch. A sharpshooter inside 18-20 feet and shows improving consistency from beyond d the arc. He rarely shot the three in my observations because he seemed to get to the rim at will but he does pose a threat beyond the arc. He runs the floor showing speed and fills lanes nicely in transition. Fantastic finisher over or around you!
Donovan has a strong upper body and endures contact nicely. His explosiveness and length to include a very long wingspan also allow him to be a rebounding presence on both ends of the floor. He defends either wing effectively and stays active off the ball in passing lanes and lobbying for a position to rebound the basketball. Someone you have to keep a body on as he is aggressive seeking rebounds and lose balls. Donovan has so much potential and it’s exciting to watch him play. He’s someone to keep in your eyes on going forward and as the lengthy frame continues to fill out he will be an even more imposing matchup. Has the potential to be a scoring machine at the high school level!