Trey Blanding ’15 returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season.
A three-year starter for the Statesmen, Blanding finished his career in the top 10 in games played (4th, 109) and assists (8th, 348). He received the 2014-15 Bob Ford ’54 Award as the team MVP after leading the Liberty League in assists (121), ranking third in assist-to-turnover (2.2), and fifth in steals (41). The team captain produced 9.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.4 rpg, and 1.6 spg last season, earning second team All-Liberty League recognition. Blanding recorded 24 points and seven steals, both career highs, in his final collegiate game.
As a junior, Blanding produced career bests in scoring (11.0 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), field goal percentage (.455), 3-point field goal percentage (.327), and free throw percentage (.835), helping Hobart win the Liberty League regular season and tournament championships and advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament. That year, Blanding ranked 26th in the nation in assist-to-turnover (2.56) and 30th in assists per game (5.3).
During his four seasons as a player, Blanding helped the Statesmen produce an 84-28 record (.750), win three Liberty League regular season championships and two Liberty League Tournament titles, and make three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Blanding was an engaged member of the community, earning the 2014-15 William J. Napier ’57 Memorial Award for his service. He organized Hoops Against Hunger, which raised more than $700 in monetary and food donations to Geneva's Center of Concern food pantry.
An exceptional student, Blanding was a three-time Liberty League All-Academic selection and a two-time National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court member. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy.
