Nate Blackwell

Nate Blackwell is an American former professional basketball player and coach who had a brief National Basketball Association career with the San Antonio Spurs, and later served as a college basketball coach.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Nathaniel Blackwell was born on February 15, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the USA. He stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 170 pounds during his playing career.

Blackwell played as a point guard and shot right-handed, wearing jersey number 3 for the San Antonio Spurs.

High School and College Career

Blackwell attended South Philadelphia High School before playing college basketball at Temple University from 1983 to 1987. At Temple, he developed into one of the program’s all-time greats, finishing his career as the school’s fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,708 points and third in assists with 533.

As a senior, Blackwell was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. He also earned Third-team All-American honors from UPI and won the Robert V. Geasey Trophy as the top college player in the Philadelphia Big 5.

Professional Career

Blackwell was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round (27th overall) of the 1987 NBA Draft. He played 10 games for the Spurs during the 1987–88 NBA season, averaging 3.7 points, 1.8 assists, and 0.6 rebounds per game.

His professional playing career was brief, and he soon transitioned into coaching.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Blackwell began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Temple from 1990 to 1992. He then served as an assistant coach at Coppin State from 1992 to 1996 before returning to Temple as an assistant coach in 1996.

Blackwell was considered a potential successor to John Chaney as Temple’s head coach, but personal struggles with addiction ultimately ended his coaching career. He resigned from Temple in 2003.

Career Highlights

• 1987 – Third-team All-American (UPI)
• 1987 – Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
• 1987 – Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner
• 1987 – Drafted 27th overall by the San Antonio Spurs

• Temple University Ring of Honor inductee
• Fourth all-time leading scorer at Temple (1,708 points)
• Third all-time in assists at Temple (533)