Freshman spark with defensive juice: Markus Blackwell is settling in at Eastern Illinois
In the 2025-26 season, Eastern Illinois guard Markus Blackwell has flashed real two-way upside as a freshman, averaging 4.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists in about 16.5 minutes per game while shooting 38.8% from the field and 47.1% from three on modest volume. He was Michigan Division 2 Player of the Year in high school, which matches the “can score, can compete” vibe, and he earned OVC Freshman of the Week after an eight-point, six-rebound, five-assist outing. He looks like a useful fit for teams wanting a scrappy combo guard who brings energy, shot-making, and room to grow.
