Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt - NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information

Mikayla Blakes has made a big splash in her first year at Vanderbilt University. The talented freshman guard joined the Commodores women’s basketball team for the 2024-25 season.

Blakes quickly showed why she was such a prized recruit, setting a new Vanderbilt freshman scoring record with 36 points in a game against Georgia on January 2, 2025.

Blakes came to Vanderbilt as a five-star point guard from New Jersey. She was ranked as the #10 player in the 2024 recruiting class. Her signing was a big win for head coach Shea Ralph and the Vanderbilt program.

Blakes joined a strong Commodores team that had a 17-3 record early in the season.

The freshman has lived up to the hype so far. Her scoring outburst against Georgia proved she can be a top player at the college level.

Blakes has formed a dynamic duo with teammate Khamil Pierre, who set Vanderbilt’s overall single-game scoring record earlier in the season. With Blakes running the point, Vanderbilt women’s basketball looks to have a bright future ahead.

Table of Contents

High School Dominance

Mikayla Blakes had an exceptional high school basketball career, setting records and earning prestigious accolades. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of top college programs across the nation.

Detailed High School Career

Blakes attended Rutgers Prep in Somerset, New Jersey. She quickly established herself as a standout player, starting on the varsity team as a freshman.

Blakes led her team to multiple state championships during her four years. She played a key role in Rutgers Prep’s success in both local and national tournaments.

Her skills were showcased on the Nike EYBL circuit, where she competed against top talent from across the country. Blakes’ performances in these high-profile events raised her national profile.

Key Game Statistics

Blakes consistently put up impressive numbers throughout her high school career. In her senior year, she averaged 19.6 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, and 2.5 steals per game.

She shot 48% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Blakes had multiple 30-point games, including a career-high 42 points against a rival school.

Awards and Recognition

Blakes’ exceptional play earned her numerous accolades:

McDonald’s All-American selection
New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year
First Team All-State (multiple years)
MaxPreps All-American Team

She was ranked as the No. 10 recruit in the Class of 2024 by major recruiting services. Blakes was also named to several all-tournament teams in national events.

Quotes From Coaches and Teammates

Blakes’ high school coach praised her work ethic: “Mikayla is the first one in the gym and the last to leave. Her dedication is unmatched.”

A teammate added: “Playing with Mikayla makes everyone better. She elevates our whole team.”

An opposing coach remarked: “Blakes is a special talent. She can take over a game in so many ways.”

The Vanderbilt Arrival And Freshman Year

Mikayla Blakes burst onto the college basketball scene at Vanderbilt, quickly establishing herself as a standout player. Her freshman year was marked by record-breaking performances and significant contributions to the Commodores’ success.

Recruitment Process And Decision

Mikayla Blakes, a five-star recruit from the class of 2024, was highly sought after by top basketball programs. She received offers from powerhouse schools like UCLA, Stanford, and Indiana.

Vanderbilt’s strong academics and rising basketball program caught Blakes’ attention. The Commodores’ coaching staff made a strong impression during home visits and campus tours.

Blakes signed her National Letter of Intent with Vanderbilt in November 2023. Her decision bolstered the Commodores’ recruiting class and raised expectations for the upcoming season.

Immediate Team Impact

From the moment Blakes stepped on campus, she made her presence felt. Her scoring ability and defensive prowess earned her a starting spot in the Commodores’ lineup.

Blakes’ impact was evident in early-season non-conference games. She consistently led the team in scoring and steals, helping Vanderbilt secure key victories.

Her play style energized teammates and fans alike. Coaches praised her work ethic and basketball IQ, noting her quick adaptation to the college game.

Freshman Season Statistics

Blakes’ freshman campaign was nothing short of exceptional. She led all NCAA Division I freshmen in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game. Her other impressive stats included:

44 steals (tops among freshmen)
114 field goals made
First freshman to reach 100, 200, and 300 points in the 2024-25 season

These numbers put Blakes in strong contention for SEC Freshman of the Year and other national awards. Her consistent play helped Vanderbilt climb the SEC standings.

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Significant Games And NCAA Performance

Blakes had several standout performances during her freshman year. Most notably, she set a new Vanderbilt freshman record with 36 points against Georgia in the SEC opener.

This record-breaking game showcased Blakes’ ability to elevate her play in big moments. She continued to shine in key SEC matchups against LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida.

As March approached, Blakes’ stellar play helped secure Vanderbilt’s spot in the NCAA Tournament. Her tournament performance further solidified her status as one of the nation’s top freshmen.

Sophomore Season: Continued Success And Evolution

Mikayla Blakes built on her impressive freshman campaign with a stellar sophomore season at Vanderbilt. She showed growth in key areas of her game while maintaining her role as a scoring leader for the Commodores.

Improved Statistics And Skill Development

Blakes saw notable improvements across several statistical categories in her second year. Her scoring average rose to 22.5 points per game, up from 19.2 as a freshman. Her shooting percentages also climbed, with her field goal percentage increasing to 48% and her three-point percentage reaching 38%.

The guard worked on expanding her offensive repertoire. She added a reliable pull-up jumper and improved her ability to finish through contact at the rim. Her ball-handling skills progressed as well, allowing her to create more shots off the dribble.

On defense, Blakes took on tougher assignments. She averaged 2.1 steals per game, showcasing her quick hands and improved positioning.

Performance In Important Games

Blakes shined brightest when the stakes were highest. In a crucial SEC matchup against Tennessee, she poured in 36 points to lead Vanderbilt to an upset victory. Her clutch shooting and poise under pressure were on full display.

During the SEC Tournament, Blakes averaged 26 points across three games. She hit the game-winning shot in the quarterfinals against Kentucky, cementing her reputation as a big-game player.

In Vanderbilt’s NCAA Tournament appearance, Blakes scored 30 points in a first-round win. Though the team fell in the second round, her performances on the national stage turned heads.

Quotes From Current Coach

Head coach Shea Ralph praised Blakes’ development throughout the season:

“Mikayla has taken huge strides this year. Her work ethic is second to none, and it shows in how she’s elevated every aspect of her game. She’s not just a scorer anymore – she’s become a complete player who makes everyone around her better.”

Ralph also highlighted Blakes’ leadership growth:

“As a sophomore, Mikayla has embraced a bigger leadership role. Her voice carries weight in the locker room, and she leads by example on the court. She’s the engine that drives our team.”

Awards And Accolades

Blakes’ outstanding play earned her several prestigious honors. She was named First Team All-SEC, becoming just the third Vanderbilt sophomore to achieve that distinction. Her consistent excellence was recognized with four SEC Player of the Week awards throughout the season.

On the national stage, Blakes was selected as an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press. She also earned a spot on the watchlist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the top shooting guard in women’s college basketball.

Academically, Blakes excelled as well. She was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a high GPA while balancing the demands of Division I athletics.

Playing Style And Skillset Analysis

Mikayla Blakes has quickly become a standout player for Vanderbilt, showcasing a diverse skillset and impressive playing style. Her abilities on the court have drawn comparisons to elite players in women’s college basketball.

Breakdown Of Playing Style

Blakes excels as a point guard with exceptional scoring abilities. Her offensive game is well-rounded, combining:

Strong ball-handling skills
Quick decision-making
Ability to create shots for herself and teammates

Blakes’ shooting prowess is evident in her 45.7% shooting accuracy. She has a smooth release on her jump shot and can score from various spots on the floor.

Defensively, Blakes uses her quickness and basketball IQ to disrupt opposing offenses. She has shown a knack for steals, adding value on both ends of the court.

Comparisons To Elite Players

Blakes’ playing style and production have drawn comparisons to some of the top guards in women’s college basketball. Her scoring ability and leadership as a freshman are reminiscent of players like:

Caitlin Clark (Iowa)
Paige Bueckers (UConn)

Like these elite players, Blakes has shown the ability to take over games and elevate her team’s performance. Her 19.2 points per game average as a freshman puts her in rare company.

Blakes’ impact on Vanderbilt’s program has been immediate and significant, similar to how Clark and Bueckers transformed their respective teams early in their careers.

Versatility And Unique Talent

Blakes’ versatility sets her apart from many of her peers. She can:

Run the offense as a traditional point guard
Create her own shot off the dribble
Spot up for three-pointers

Her 3-point range adds another dimension to her game, making her a threat from anywhere on the court. This versatility makes her difficult for opponents to defend.

Blakes has also shown the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Her 36-point performance against Georgia set a Vanderbilt freshman record, demonstrating her capacity to elevate her game when it matters most.

Supporting Video Analysis

Video breakdowns of Blakes’ performances highlight key aspects of her game:

Scoring variety: Clips show her ability to score in transition, off screens, and in isolation situations.
Court vision: Footage demonstrates her passing skills and ability to find open teammates.
Defensive positioning: Analysis reveals her understanding of defensive rotations and ability to anticipate passes.

These video analyses support the statistical data, providing visual evidence of Blakes’ impact on the court. They also showcase her basketball IQ and how she reads the game in real-time.

NIL Deals And Brand Building

Mikayla Blakes has quickly become a standout in the world of college basketball NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Her success on the court has translated into valuable opportunities off it, setting her up for a promising future in both athletics and business.

Significant NIL Deals And Endorsements

Mikayla Blakes has secured several notable NIL deals since joining Vanderbilt. She has partnered with Opendorse, a leading athlete marketing platform, to manage her endorsement opportunities. This partnership allows Blakes to connect with brands and respond to custom requests for marketing campaigns.

Her status as a 2024 McDonald’s All-American has likely increased her marketability. While specific deal values are not public, it’s common for top recruits to secure deals in the five to six-figure range.

Blakes has also been involved in merchandise sales, which peak during basketball season. This visibility helps keep Vanderbilt Athletics financially strong and provides additional funds for NIL deals.

Social Media Brand Cultivation

Blakes has been actively building her personal brand on social media platforms. Her accounts showcase her basketball skills, training routines, and life as a student-athlete at Vanderbilt.

She engages with fans regularly, posting behind-the-scenes content from games and practices. This approach helps her grow her follower base and attract potential sponsorship deals.

Blakes often shares motivational content, inspiring young athletes and positioning herself as a role model. This strategy not only increases her appeal to brands but also strengthens her connection with fans.

Potential For WNBA Endorsement Deals

As a highly-rated recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Blakes has positioned herself well for future WNBA endorsement deals. Her performance at Vanderbilt will be crucial in determining her professional prospects.

Many WNBA players secure endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Blakes’ involvement in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) during her high school career may give her an advantage in securing deals with the brand in the future.

Her versatility as a combo guard and leadership skills make her an attractive prospect for both WNBA teams and potential sponsors. As she continues to develop at Vanderbilt, her endorsement potential is likely to grow.

WNBA Outlook And Future Prospects

Mikayla Blakes shows promise as a future WNBA player. Her strong performances at Vanderbilt have caught the attention of scouts and analysts, setting the stage for a potential professional career.

Potential As A WNBA Star

Blakes has the skills to become a top-scoring freshman in the nation. Her ability to put up 20-plus points per game demonstrates her scoring prowess. This offensive talent could translate well to the WNBA, where scoring guards are highly valued.

Her size and versatility are assets. At 6’0″, Blakes has the height to compete against professional guards. Her all-around game, including rebounding and defensive skills, makes her a well-rounded prospect.

Blakes’ leadership and work ethic have been praised by coaches and teammates. These intangibles are crucial for success at the next level.

Draft Projections

While it’s early in her college career, Blakes is already generating buzz as a future WNBA draft pick. Experts project her as a potential first-round selection if she continues to develop.

Her statistical profile suggests she could contend for national Freshman of the Year honors. This level of performance as a freshman often translates to high draft stock.

Blakes will need to maintain her scoring efficiency and improve her playmaking to solidify her draft position. Consistent performances in SEC play will be crucial for her draft stock.

Potential Draft Teams

WNBA teams always seek dynamic scoring guards. Franchises with a need for backcourt talent could target Blakes in the draft.

Teams like the Indiana Fever or Atlanta Dream, often in rebuilding phases, might see Blakes as a cornerstone player. Her ability to contribute immediately could appeal to these organizations.

Established teams looking for a scoring punch off the bench might also consider Blakes. Her versatility would allow her to fit into various systems and rotations.

Impact On WNBA And Career Trajectory

Blakes has the potential to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. Her scoring ability could help her earn significant playing time as a rookie.

Her development at Vanderbilt under coach Shea Ralph, a former WNBA player, is preparing her for the pro game. This coaching connection could smooth her transition to the league.

Blakes’ career trajectory could mirror other successful college scorers who’ve thrived in the WNBA. With continued growth, she could become an All-Star caliber player within her first few seasons.

The possibility of Team USA selection in the future adds another layer to her potential impact.

Call To Action

Mikayla Blakes has made a big impact on Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team. Fans can support her and the team in several ways.

Encourage Reader Engagement

Show your support for Mikayla Blakes and the Vanderbilt Commodores:

Attend home games at Memorial Gymnasium
Watch away games on TV or streaming platforms
Join official fan clubs or booster organizations
Follow Vanderbilt Athletics on social media
Share game highlights and updates with friends

Your presence and cheers make a difference. The team feeds off fan energy, especially during big games.

Promote Following Mikayla Blakes

Keep up with Mikayla’s basketball journey:

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter
Check out her player profile on the Vanderbilt Athletics website
Watch post-game interviews and press conferences
Read articles about her performances and records

Mikayla’s record-breaking 36-point game against Georgia shows her potential. Following her career closely could be exciting for fans.

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt – NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information