Lance Blanks, a former professional basketball player, had a career that spanned various roles both on and off the court. Born on September 9, 1966, in Del Rio, Texas, Blanks grew up in a family with a strong basketball background. His father, Sid Blanks, was a professional football player, which instilled in Lance a competitive spirit and an understanding of professional sports from an early age.
Blanks attended the University of Virginia before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he became a standout player for the Texas Longhorns. During his college career, he was known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. Blanks was part of the "BMW Scoring Machine" trio at Texas, alongside teammates Travis Mays and Joey Wright. This trio led the Longhorns to the Elite Eight in the 1990 NCAA Tournament, a significant achievement for the program.
In 1990, Blanks was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the 26th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. He played two seasons with the Pistons, where he was primarily utilized as a guard off the bench. His time in Detroit was followed by a brief stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although his NBA playing career was relatively short, Blanks continued to pursue opportunities in basketball, playing overseas in leagues such as the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and in Europe.
After retiring from professional play, Blanks transitioned into basketball management and scouting. He joined the San Antonio Spurs as a scout, where he contributed to the team's talent evaluation and player development efforts. His work with the Spurs helped him gain valuable experience in the front office, which paved the way for future roles.
Blanks later served as the assistant general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his tenure with the Cavaliers, he was involved in player acquisitions and team-building strategies. His efforts contributed to the team's competitive performance in the NBA.
In 2010, Blanks was appointed as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the team's basketball operations, including player transactions, scouting, and draft selections. Blanks faced the challenge of rebuilding the Suns' roster and navigating the complexities of the NBA salary cap. His tenure with the Suns lasted until 2013, during which he made several roster moves aimed at positioning the team for future success.
Throughout his career, Blanks demonstrated a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to the sport.
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