Have you ever wondered what happens to athletes after the final buzzer sounds? We often obsess over the superstars. We know every stat of Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson. But what about the guys who fought for every minute? Today, we’re diving deep into some fascinating Cory Blackwell info.
If you’re a fan of Chicago basketball history or a die-hard Wisconsin Badgers supporter, you probably know the name. But for the rest of us, Cory Blackwell’s story is a hidden gem. It’s a tale of two distinct halves. First, there’s the gritty athlete battling in the NBA’s golden era. Then, there’s the passionate spiritual leader reshaping lives.
So, grab a coffee. Let’s explore the life of a man who proved that the dream never really dies; it just transforms.
The Chicago Roots: Where It All Began
Cory Blackwell’s journey started in the heart of the Windy City. Born on March 27, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, he entered a world pulsing with basketball energy. Chicago isn’t just a city; it’s a hoops mecca.
Growing up, Blackwell attended Crane Technical High School. Now, if you know anything about Chicago high school basketball, you know Crane is legendary. It’s a crucible. It forges toughness. You don’t just play for fun there; you play for respect.
Young Cory was a physical specimen. Standing at a solid 6-foot-6 and weighing around 210 pounds, he had the perfect frame for a forward. He wasn’t just big; he was agile. He could bang in the post or step out and hit a jumper. This versatility is what caught the eyes of college scouts across the nation.
But it wasn’t just about physical gifts. It was about grit. Growing up in Chicago in the 60s and 70s required a certain level of resilience. That toughness became his trademark. It’s a quality that would serve him well, not just on the court, but in the challenging decades to follow.
The Badger Days: A Wisconsin Legend
After high school, Blackwell took his talents north. He committed to the University of Wisconsin, becoming a key figure for the Badgers. This wasn’t the powerhouse Wisconsin program we see today. In the early 80s, the Big Ten was a brutal battleground.
Cory arrived in Madison ready to work. His tenure with the Badgers from 1981 to 1984 was nothing short of impressive. He didn’t waste time riding the bench. He made an impact immediately.
The Stats That Tell the Story
Let’s look at the numbers, because stats don’t lie.
- Scoring Machine: He averaged a career 16.9 points per game. That’s elite production.
- Board Man: He pulled down 7.1 rebounds per contest. He wasn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint.
- Efficiency: He shot over 45% from the field.
His junior year was particularly spectacular. He was the engine of that team. He led the Badgers in scoring and rebounding, proving he could carry a squad. For fans looking for Cory Blackwell stats, these college numbers are often the highlight. They show a player who was dominant at the collegiate level.
He decided to forgo his senior season to enter the draft. It was a bold move. It’s a decision that players agonize over. But Cory felt ready. He had conquered the Big Ten. The NBA was calling.
The Class of ’84: Entering the Land of Giants
Here is where the story gets really interesting. Cory Blackwell entered the 1984 NBA Draft.
Does that year ring a bell? It should. It is widely considered the greatest draft class in basketball history. We’re talking about an epochal moment in sports.
Just look at the names drafted before him:
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Michael Jordan
- Charles Barkley
- John Stockton
Talk about stiff competition! Entering the league that year was like trying to join the Avengers. The talent pool was absurdly deep.
Despite the heavy hitters at the top, Blackwell’s stock was solid. The Seattle SuperSonics selected him in the second round with the 28th overall pick. Being a top-30 pick is a massive achievement. It validated all those long nights in the gym at Crane Tech.
The Seattle SuperSonics Era
Cory joined the Sonics for the 1984-85 season. For fans of former Seattle SuperSonics players, Blackwell is a nostalgic name from a transitional era. The team was trying to find its footing after their championship years in the late 70s.
Life as a Rookie
The NBA is a grind. It’s not all private jets and glitz, especially for a rookie in the 80s. It’s grueling travel, back-to-back games, and fighting for every second of playing time.
Cory played in 60 games that season. That’s a significant chunk of the schedule. He didn’t start, but he was part of the rotation.
- Points per game: 3.4
- Rebounds per game: 1.6
- Minutes per game: around 9.2
Sure, these aren’t Hall of Fame numbers. But context is key. He was a rookie on a roster full of veterans. He was fighting for scraps. Every point he scored was earned against the best athletes on the planet. He shared the court with legends. He battled in the paint against guys like Kareem and Moses Malone.
However, the NBA stands for “Not For Long” if you don’t carve out a specific niche. The league is ruthless. After that single season, Blackwell’s time in the NBA concluded. It’s a reminder of how ephemeral professional sports careers can be. You reach the mountaintop, but staying there is a different beast entirely.
The Overseas Odyssey: A Global Hoops Traveler
When the NBA door closes, another one usually opens—often across the ocean. Like many talented players of his generation, Cory took his game international.
He became a globetrotter. He played professionally in:
- France: Suiting up for Olympique Antibes.
- Turkey: Playing for the powerhouse Fenerbahçe.
- Finland: A stint with NMKY Helsinki.
This phase of his career is often overlooked. But it requires a unique kind of strength. You’re in a foreign land. You likely don’t speak the language. The culture is different. The food is different. Yet, you have to perform.
Playing for Fenerbahçe is a big deal. The Turkish fans are incredibly passionate. It’s an intense environment. Blackwell’s willingness to adapt and play in these diverse leagues speaks volumes about his character. He wasn’t just a basketball player; he was a student of the world.
He even had a brief spell with the Golden State Warriors later, trying to claw his way back. But eventually, the ball stops bouncing for everyone. By 1989, his professional playing days were winding down.
The Pivot: From the Court to the Pulpit
Most athlete biographies follow a standard arc. They retire, maybe coach a bit, or open a car dealership. Cory Blackwell did something radically different. He underwent a spiritual renaissance.
He traded the playbook for the Good Book.
This wasn’t a casual interest. It was a complete life overhaul. He dove headfirst into ministry. This is where the Cory Blackwell info shifts from sports stats to spiritual impact.
The Cross and Switchblade Ministry
One of his most notable early achievements in this new life was founding the Cross and Switchblade Ministry in Los Angeles. Working alongside Kip McKean, he focused on inner-city outreach.
This wasn’t a cushy desk job. This was street-level ministry. He was working in rough neighborhoods in South Central LA. He was dealing with real people facing real problems—gangs, drugs, poverty.
He used his natural leadership skills to connect with people. The same charisma that made him a team leader at Wisconsin made him a powerful evangelist. He wasn’t preaching from an ivory tower. He was in the trenches. He could relate to the struggles of young men trying to find their way.
A Global Leader Again
Just as he played basketball globally, he ministered globally.
- Middle East: In 1994, he was appointed a World Sector Leader for the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in the Middle East.
- Chicago: He eventually returned to his hometown to lead congregations there.
- New York: As of early 2026, reports place him as the Lead Evangelist at the New York International Christian Church.
He became a heavy hitter in the church hierarchy. He was overseeing multiple nations. He was planting churches in places where Christianity wasn’t the dominant faith. That takes courage. It takes a belief system that is unshakeable.
The Editorial: “The Dream Never Dies”
To truly understand the man, you have to hear his voice. Years ago, he penned a guest editorial titled “The Dream Never Dies.”
It’s a powerful piece of writing. In it, he was vulnerable. He admitted to losing his way at times. He spoke about “losing his first love” spiritually. He talked about the pain of divorce and the humbling process of starting over.
He wrote about arriving in Los Angeles with nothing—no car, no status. Just a desire to serve. It’s a raw, honest confession. It’s rare to hear a former pro athlete speak so openly about failure and redemption.
He used the phrase “The Dream Never Dies” to signal that no matter how far you fall, there is always a path back. It’s a message that resonates with anyone, sports fan or not. It showcased his ability to use uncommon terminology to express deep emotional truths. He spoke of being a “nomad wandering in a spiritual desert.” That’s poetic.
Personal Life: Triumphs and Tribulations
Cory Blackwell’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. It makes him relatable. He isn’t a perfect statue; he’s a human being.
- Family: He is a father of four children from his first marriage.
- Marriage: His first marriage to a professional model named Megan ended in divorce in 2002. It was a difficult period, one he has spoken about as a turning point in his faith.
- New Beginnings: In 2013, he married his second wife, Jee. Together, they have continued their ministry work, serving as a team.
Balancing a high-profile ministry career with family life is never easy. But it seems to be the fuel that keeps him going. His journey reflects the messy, beautiful reality of being human.
Why This Story Matters Today
Why should we care about a guy who played one season in 1985?
Because Cory Blackwell represents the reality of the American Dream. It’s not a straight line. It’s a zigzag.
He reached the pinnacle of his sport. He played against Jordan. He wore an NBA jersey. Millions of kids dream of that, and he did it. That alone is worth celebrating.
But he didn’t let that define him. When the cheering stopped, he didn’t fade away. He reinvented himself. He found a new purpose that he felt was higher than basketball.
In an era where we curate our lives on social media to look perfect, his honesty is refreshing. He admits to his stumbles. He owns his past. He keeps moving forward.
FAQs: Quick Cory Blackwell Info
Let’s break down some common questions for the skimmers out there.
Q: Which NBA team drafted Cory Blackwell? A: The Seattle SuperSonics drafted him in the 2nd round of the 1984 NBA Draft.
Q: What were Cory Blackwell’s college stats? A: He was a beast at Wisconsin, averaging 16.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game over his career.
Q: Is Cory Blackwell still involved in basketball? A: Not professionally. He pivoted to full-time ministry decades ago and is currently a church leader.
Q: Where is Cory Blackwell now? A: As of the most recent updates in 2026, he is serving as a Lead Evangelist in New York.
The Final Buzzer
So, there you have it. The comprehensive scoop on Cory Blackwell.
He is more than just a line in a basketball almanac. He is a Wisconsin Badgers icon. He is a former Seattle SuperSonics player. But most importantly, he is a testament to the power of change.
His life reminds us that our careers are just chapters, not the whole book. You can be an athlete in your 20s and a spiritual leader in your 50s. You can fall down and get back up.
If you ever find yourself looking at an old basketball card from 1985, and you see Cory Blackwell’s face, remember the story behind it. It’s a story of grit, glory, and grace. And honestly, isn’t that the kind of story we all need to hear a little more often?
Thanks for reading! I hope this deep dive gave you the Cory Blackwell info you were looking for. Keep the love for the game alive, and never stop reinventing yourself.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy regarding historical stats and biographical details, specific current roles in organizations can change.