Deadly. Efficient. Versatile. Attributes that are making Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes the NCAA’s next superstar.

Despite only being in her sophomore year, Mikayla Blakes has become an inevitable scoring threat no matter which opposition stands before her.

During her rookie campaign in the NCAA, Blakes was awarded the SEC Freshman of the Year, while averaging 23.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.

This year, Vanderbilt’s elite guard has taken her game to a different stratosphere and continues to prove that the sky is the limit in terms of her development.

Blakes cannot be contained

If you are a fan of a player who plays with quick, aggressive intent and looks to light up the scoreboard, look no further than Mikayla Blakes.

In this day and age of social media, many players opt for style over substance. They would rather score a bucket that looks flashy, rather than finding the spot where they are most effective and draining a shot.

Blakes is not this player. Once the ball is in her hands, expect a direct approach that will result in chalking up a field-goal attempt.

It is a formula that has presented the 20-year-old with great success. During her second-year at the collegiate level, Blakes has averaged 24.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 45.1% from the floor.

As can be seen in her numbers, Mikayla Blakes has evolved her game from a relentless scorer to a bucket getter with a playmaking twist.

Her creative development has coincided with the improvement in her decision-making when driving in traffic. Vanderbilt is a more dangerous outfit when Blakes can showcase her versatile offensive skill set.

Defensive improvement has been substantial

Establishing herself as a two-way player has clearly been a point of focus for the sophomore star. The Commodores guard has recorded a career-high 3.1 steals per game this season.

However, the statistics do not show the true nature of her defensive ascension. Blakes’ willingness to risk her body in transition and draw brutal charges has allowed her to force countless turnovers.

Undoubtedly, WNBA franchises will already be keeping a keen eye on the development of Mikayla Blakes. If her evolution on both sides of the ball continues in this upward trajectory, the league will have a new superstar on its hands.