Former Eastern Washington star Bogdan Bliznyuk plays well at college all-star game

Former Eastern Washington men’s basketball star Bogdan Bliznyuk is making the most of his opportunities.

Coming off a record-breaking senior season, Bliznyuk is trying to carry that momentum into a possible pro career.

Last week at the Reese’s College All-Star game in San Antonio – site of the Final Four – Bliznyuk scored 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting. He was one of 20 players selected for the event.

Next up is the Portsmouth (Virginia) Invitational Tournament, which runs next Wednesday through April 14.

Last year, former Eagle Jacob Wiley was an all-tournament selection at Portsmouth. That helped Wiley sign a two-way contract to play professionally for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association and the Long Island Nets of the NBA’s G-League.

This is the 66th year of the PIT, with Wiley the first Eagle to take part. Wiley averaged 27.2 minutes, 17.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in three games a year ago.

This year’s NBA Draft is June 21, with non-draftee signings taking place later.

“The exposure Bogdan is getting through the Portsmouth Invitational and the Reese’s All-Star Game in San Antonio is an incredible opportunity for him,” EWU coach Shantay Legans said.

Bliznyuk recently became the third Eagle in the last four years to earn both honorable mention Associated Press All-America honors and first team Lou Henson midmajor All-America accolades.

Wiley earned both honors in 2017 and Tyler Harvey was honored in 2015. Alvin Snow (2004) and Rodney Stuckey (2006 & 2007) also earned honorable mention All-America honors from AP.

Earlier in March, Bliznyuk repeated as a NABC All-District 6 selection.

His 2,169 career points in 138 career games surpassed the Big Sky Conference record of 2,102 set by Orlando Lightfoot from Idaho.