Rolando Blackman is a former NBA player. After being raised in Brooklyn, Blackman attended Kansas State University where he played basketball under coach Jack Hartman. At Kansas State, Blackman had a number of noteworthy achievements. He scored 1,844 career points and Blackman's number 25 jersey was retired by Kansas State February 17, 2007.
Rolando Blackman was drafted by the Mavericks in the first round, 9th overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft. He became the first Panamanian-born player in the NBA. Blackman had an immediate impact on the team, averaging 13.3 PPG in his rookie season. He would go on to become a four-time NBA All-Star with the Dallas Mavericks, and lead them to their first ever franchise playoff appearnce in 1984.
Blackman was NBA's all-time scoring leader among Hispanic/Latin players until March 6, 2015, when Pau Gasol overtook him. Blackman's number 22 jersey was retired by the Mavericks on March 11, 2000.
After retiring as a player, Rolando Blackman stayed involved in basketball through coaching and mentoring. He worked as an assistant coach for various NBA teams and served as the head coach of the Dominican Republic national basketball team.
Off the court, Blackman has been involved in various charitable activities, supporting organizations that focus on youth development and education. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Rolando Blackman was inducted into the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. Throughout his career, Blackman earned a reputation as a respected and accomplished player, leaving a lasting impact on the game of basketball. He remains a beloved figure among basketball fans and is remembered for his skill, professionalism, and dedication to the sport.