The Oak Hill Academy squad is loaded front to back this year, just like every year. National names like Harry Giles, Mario Kegler, and Matt Coleman headline those on the roster but another that should provide a versatile skillset and playmaking skills is in Braxton Blackwell, a 6-foot-7 forward from Nashville, Tennessee. A do-it-all type at the small forward spot, Blackwell fits the mold of the new small ball 4-man who can do a bit of everything on the floor and because of it, is seeing a well-deserved, priority recruitment from some of the best programs nationally.

The strengths tend outweigh the minor hold-up with Blackwell as he is still adding consistency with his outside shot. However, he can facilitate in the half-court setting, has the passing skills to create for others on the hard-drive to the basket or out of high-post set-ups, and is more than capable of scoring at the basket and through contact at the basket. He touches nearly every part of the stat sheet and should be able to leave an imprint on any place that he calls home in the coming years.

Down to a group of schools that Blackwell now seems the most comfortable with, the Nashville native recently visited Alabama and Texas these past two weekends and will return back home tonight in getting another glance at Vanderbilt, a visit that he is very excited about.

The senior wing spoke briefly on his previous two visits to the SEC and Big 12 program.

Alabama: “I really liked it down there. It's a huge college town with passionate fans.”

Texas: “They have a really good team and are really well coached. Coach Shaka is changing the program around and the fans are extremely excited about the future with him being there.”

After his visit in getting a glance of what Kevin Stallings and his staff can offer this weekend, Blackwell will get a week off on the road before hitting Kansas on the weekend of October 16. A final visit is being planned for Tennessee, though the date for it is still in the works.

While chances are that the Oak Hill product will have all five of his official visits completed before the early signing period in November, a letter of intent being signed next month might not be in the cards. “If I feel ready to commit I will, but most likely I will sign late.”

Regardless of when a commitment or a signing is made, Blackwell provides immediate toughness, ball skills, and intellect to the frontcourt and someone who should step onto any college campus next winter and immediately contribute because of any of these assets.