May 5, 2006

MILWAUKEE - Lawrence Blackledge (Carbondale, Illinois), an honorable mention junior college all-American, has signed a national letter of intent to attend Marquette University, head men's basketball coach Tom Crean announced today. Blackledge, a 6-8, 185- forward, will have two years of eligibility remaining after spending the previous two seasons at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC).

"Trend is a great athlete who is long, lean and can really run," said Crean. "We were impressed with how hard and unselfishly he plays. You want to build a team through defense and rebounding, and Trend will help us in those areas."

A major contributor during his two seasons with the Blue Storm, Blackledge averaged 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and shot 56-percent from the field in leading his team to 34 victories and a sixth place finish in the NJCAA national tournament last season. Blackledge posses a seven-foot wingspan and blocked 230 shots during his two years at SWIC.

For his efforts in 2005-06, he was named first-team All-Great Rivers Athletic Conference and an honorable mention NJCAA All-American. A proven winner throughout his career, Blackledge's teams have won 110 over the last four years - two at SWIC and two at Carbondale High School.

"Trend was undervalued during the recruiting process but he is a winner, his team's records prove that," said Crean. "His attitude and willingness to improve are key attributes to his success."

Blackledge, who prefers to be known by his middle name - Trend, joins Golden Eagles' signees Maurice Acker, David Cubillan and Lazar Hayward.