By Ian Smith, CycloneFanatic.com Contributor
Nicole Blaskowsky’s coach calls her an “aggressive long-range shooter.” Or in other words, a natural fit for the Iowa State women’s basketball team.
Blaskowsky – who plays point guard – committed to Coach Bill Fennelly’s 2012 class on Monday.
“She is a pure scorer – that’s the best way I can describe it,” George Washington, Blaskowsky’s AAU coach, said. “She does most of her damage by shooting. She’s so high-energy that she gets out on the break, she goes to the basket. But she does most of her damage by shooting.”
So when Iowa State came calling, it didn’t take long for Blaskowsky – who goes by the nickname “Kidd” – to say yes. The 5-foot-8 junior chose the Cyclones over offers from Kansas State, North Carolina State and Texas Christian University, among others.
“It just felt right,” Blaskowsky said. “The success was a big part (of why I committed). By the time I get there, they should still stay way up there.”
Potentially having a permanent green light also played a factor. Blaskowsky loves to shoot. The Sugarland, Texas native averaged 17.8 points and 2.9 3-pointers per game last season, according to www.maxpreps.com.
“I think (having a green light) is better for my game,” Blaskowsky said. “If I’m not on, I’ll drive in and dish out and someone else can shoot it. Usually, I’m pretty on all the time.”
Besides her deft shooting ability, she is like a coach on the floor.
“She is a very, very strong vocal leader,” Washington said. “She is a high-energy player. She is diving all over the place. In coaching, we say she has a motor that doesn’t quit.”
Class of 2011 Cyclone commit, Fallon Ellis, also helped. Ellis made a strong case for Fennelly and the Iowa State program. Blaskowsky and Ellis both played on Washington’s Dallas-Fort Worth AAU Elite team.
With her commitment behind her, Blaskowsky – who wants to study broadcast journalism in college – is excited to visit Ames in the near future. According to Washington, part of her has already been at Iowa State for awhile.
“Really, ever since Iowa State started recruiting her last year,” he said, “her heart’s been there.”
