ABOUT JOHN
This is what a dreamer looks like!
This picture is more than just a young man holding a basketball—it's someone holding onto hope, discipline, and determination.
Every dribble, every shot, and every sweat-soaked practice session represented a dream in the making.
Johnathan always believes in the impossible, pushes boundaries, and never giving ups, no matter how big the challenge or how far the goal.
He believes sometimes, all it takes is a dream, a ball, and relentless grit to turn potential into greatness.
He reminds us to dream big and work harder.
Always in the gym
STANDING AMONGST giants!
John attended the WW Basketball Camp for a number of years!
John's Illini Uncles
Anthony Welch
Marcus Liberty
Steve Bardo
JR. NBA EXPERIENCE
In August 2019, the Jr. NBA hosted over 350 athletes and coaches from 40 countries at the Jr. NBA Global Championship.
Boys and girls teams from 16 regions—eight from the United States and eight from around the world—competed in this prestigious international tournament held in Orlando, Florida.
John's AAU team, The Family, claimed victory in the Midwest Championship, and their coach, Marcel Smith, earned recognition as one of 30 finalists for the Jr. NBA Coach of the Year award.
novi christian academy
Novi Christian School: A Foundation Built on Faith and Family
John Blackwell’s love for basketball blossomed through the influence of his AAU team, The Family, and his friends at Novi Christian School. Playing alongside his AAU teammates fueled his competitive edge and elevated his skills, while countless hours spent on the court with his close friends at Novi Christian deepened his passion for the game.
Novi Christian provided John with a unique environment to grow both as an athlete and a person. Under the guidance of his father, who served as the school's Athletic Director, John developed not only his basketball talents but also the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His father’s mentorship played an instrumental role in shaping his work ethic and character on and off the court.
While John cherished the tight-knit community and faith-based atmosphere at Novi Christian, he also dreamed of new challenges and greater opportunities.
His desire to grow further and compete at a higher level led him to continue his academic and athletic journey at a larger school, where he could take the next steps in his development.
Novi Christian School, combined with the camaraderie of his AAU teammates and school friends, remains a cornerstone of John’s journey. Together, they provided the spiritual and personal foundation that continues to guide him through life and his basketball career.