Ricky Blanton

Ricky Blanton is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association. He has played with the Chicago Bulls. After his professional career, he coached in Louisiana State University, Utah State, and Nicholls State.

Player Profile

Ricky Wayne Blanton was born on April 21, 1966, in Miami, Florida, United States. He stood 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 215 pounds during his playing career.

Blanton played as a small forward, shot right-handed, and wore jersey number 17.

High School and College Career

Blanton attended Miami Killian High School in Miami, Florida, before playing college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1984 to 1989.

At LSU, he was a key player for the Tigers and helped lead the team to the 1986 Final Four, one of the most memorable runs in school history. Blanton was known for his versatility, leadership, and clutch performances throughout his college career.

Professional Career

Blanton was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round - 46th overall, of the 1989 NBA Draft. Although he did not play for the Suns, he began his professional career overseas with Scaini Venezia in Italy.

He later played for several teams in the Continental Basketball Association ¬(CBA) and internationally, including the Wichita Falls Texans, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Rapid City Thrillers, Châlons-en-Champagne in France, and Quilmes de Mar del Plata in Argentina.

Blanton signed a 10-day contract with the Chicago Bulls and appeared in two NBA games during the 1992–93 season, both of which were double-digit wins for the Bulls. His NBA debut came on February 15, 1993, against the Sacramento Kings, followed by a game against the Utah Jazz on February 17, 1993.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Blanton returned to LSU as an assistant coach in 1996, then served as an assistant at Utah State for the 1997–98 season.

He later became the head coach at Nicholls State from 2002 to 2004.

Career Highlights

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