The 6-foot-5, 221-pound senior forward ranks third for the Panthers in scoring at 13.1 points per game, but he has increased that output in recent weeks to nearly 20 points per outing in KWC's last four contests.
For Blackwell's efforts, the No. 18 Panthers (19-3) have racked up wins in their last four consecutive games and 10 of the last 11 matchups. He was also named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week on Monday.
In addition, Blackwell grabs four rebounds per game while converting on 48 percent of his shots from the field, 42 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line as an all-around contributor for KWC.
According to the Los Angeles native, his motivation is simple.
"It's just knowing that my college basketball career is almost over," Blackwell said. "Putting in the work and not wanting to digress, and going as hard as I can without any limits set in my mind.
"I know college basketball is almost over, and I want to be a complete player. My game is catching up, so it's perfect timing. I always saw myself doing multiple things on the court — passing, dribbling, shooting, everything, so when coach puts me in a position to do those things, I can do it."
Last year, Blackwell averaged 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in his first season with KWC after transferring from Loyola Marymount. This year, Panthers coach Happy Osborne has noticed a definite change for the positive.
"C.J.'s been a leader for us," the third-year KWC coach said. "He's just grown up so much, and I'm proud of him. He's been a big key for us. His leadership, he's been a glue guy, he's a guy everybody likes, and everybody respects his work ethic.
"He's just come a long way. He's more consistent than he was last year, and he's a huge key going forward. When he's on, we go to another level."
Blackwell will have a chance to continue his stellar play when the Panthers host nonconference foe Central State (9-11) on Wednesday night at the Sportscenter.
Meanwhile, the Marauders will feature 6-foot guard Tre' Edwards (12.9 points), 6-6 forward Hosie Smith (10.1 points, 6.1 rebounds), 6-3 forward Jeremy Brown (7.8 points, 7.1 rebounds), 6-4 guard Sean Cassidy (6.2 points) and 6-9 center Robert Konteh (5.7 points).
Osborne said he expects a defensive test from Central State, adding that his players will have to be on their toes to come away with a win.
"Central State's going to press us from the second they get there until the horn blows," he said. "They're really good in their 2-2-1 (zone), and they're going to play a matchup zone and a 2-3 zone. What Central State wants you to do is hold the ball and try to figure out what they're doing. We've got to flash to the middle, we've got to cut, and we've got to make extra passes. They're a team that can throw you out of rhythm."
For Blackwell, it's KWC's defense that will have to make a difference against Central State -- and for the rest of the season.
"Like coach always says, it really is that simple for us," he said. "Defensively, when we're focused, good things happen."
Blackwell said he plans to continue playing basketball even after his college career is over, but he and the Panthers have lofty goals before the season ends, and he said it's evident in their attitudes this year.
"Our goal is to win a national championship," Blackwell said. "We're not afraid to say it or have those thoughts. We're not afraid to come in the gym on a Wednesday, when we don't play until Saturday, and work towards that.
"Last year, guys were funny -- that was the M.O. of our team. This year, we still play around some, but we know when to be serious. We all have a common goal. Last year, some guys had individual goals, but this year our common goal is just to win."
