Rochester’s Blankenberg Joins MacDonald at SBU

The St. Bonaventure Bonnies have added another New England product to their squad, as head coach Mike MacDonald and staff have landed a commitment from Winchendon wing Cam Blankenberg.

A native of Rochester, New York. Blankenberg will reclassify in order to suit up for the team this season, Blankenberg will provide this revamped Bonnies roster with a versatile frontcourt piece with size, toughness, and two-way upside that will all translate nicely to the college level.

Blankenberg rose up the ranks as he built his game around his ability to be impactful in many areas of the game. He brings a combination of physical tools, value on the defensive end, and an offensive skill set 

that continues to develop, making him a Division I level prospect that multiple programs were after.

At 6 '7 Blankenberg’s size allows him to play and defend multiple positions. He is mobile enough and possesses the skill set to play on the wing and handle the ball, while also being physical and strong enough to handle tougher, more physical matchups when asked to. That versatility is a major part of his game and value. He is an adaptable player who can mold his game to what is needed in order to win.

On the defensive side of the ball, Blankenberg will provide the Bonnies with a player who has the necessary tools to defend players of different sizes and skill sets. He can battle inside and be a force on the boards even through traffic, while also being agile enough to step out on the perimeter and defend on an island. His defensive traits leads to direct impact on the defensive end and I believe will translate seamlessly to the college level, most people willing to do the dirty work find their way. A combination of excellent rebounding, shot-contesting ability, and the foot speed to rotate and guard in space will make him a plus defender at the next level.

On the other end of the court, he has and will continue to round out his game. He is already a true three-level scorer and can finish above the rim, run the floor, attack off the bounce, and is a tremendous cutter off the ball. A player who has already proven to be effective without needing an offense to revolve around him is always valuable and will give him an avenue to break into the rotation early. His constant activity and movement lead to easy scoring opportunities both at the rim and from the perimeter. Being comfortable both near the basket and outside on the perimeter gives him flexibility as a frontcourt player that college programs dream of.

Blankenberg continued to bolster his stock over the spring and summer with City Rocks on the EYBL Circuit. On a loaded roster he is currently averaging 10.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, proving to be productive against elite competition every weekend. The rebounding totals are especially interesting because they reflect not only his activity level, but also the physicality and willingness to stay involved even when the offense is not running directly through him.

Overall, for St. Bonaventure, Blankenberg adds a versatile forward who will bring size, toughness, rebounding, defensive versatility, and three-level scoring. As he makes the move from Winchendon to the A-10, he gives the Bonnies a player who can impact the game in multiple ways while continuing to develop within their program.