Men's Basketball | March 07, 2025

If there's one thing Rhyjon Blackwell knows, it's that nothing comes without hard work. 

The redshirt-junior guard from Baldwin, N.Y., has built his game and life on dedication and resilience. 

"You have to work at everything you want to do in life," Blackwell said. "Work ethic builds the confidence, but it doesn't always remove the fear." 

If you've watched him on the court, you know he plays with fearlessness and the kind of confidence that comes from putting in the hours.  
 
Before making his way to USC Aiken, Blackwell spent two years at Florida SW State College, and one at McNeese University, but ultimately landed in Aiken, S.C., because head coach Mark Vanderslice never stopped believing in him. 

Fresh off a victory in the PBC Quarterfinals, Blackwell accounts for 13.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. He's buried a team-best 61 three-point shots this season and has canned a team-high 81.9 percent of his shots from the charity stripe. 


With 25 starts in 27 games and an average of 14 points per game in the 2025 season, he's been a key cog of the program. 
 
Blackwell is not only an athlete, but he's also an author. His book, The Art of Becoming The Most Dangerous PG, breaks down confidence, competition, and the grind it takes to stand out.

Watch the latest Innovative Solutions, "A Closer Look" as Shy Iles talks with Blackwell about his life.