Old Dominion head men's basketball coach Jeff Jones announced the signing of R.J. Blakney as part of the 2023 recruiting class. Blakney, a 6-foot-6 guard from Baltimore, Md., joins the Monarchs from the University of Dayton.

"R.J. is an experienced veteran who has played a lot of minutes on some outstanding basketball teams," Jones said. "Coupled with his skill set, competitive drive and athleticism, R.J. will make a big impact on Monarch Basketball."

Blakney played three seasons with the Flyers where he saw action in 85 games. Last season he was third on the team in blocked shots and fourth in steals as he appeared in 30 games with 20 starts. He scored a season-best 19 points against St. Joseph's and 17 against Duquesne. Blakney also recorded season highs of seven rebounds and five assists against Alcorn and three steals against UNC Asheville and VCU. In the 2021-22 season, he was one of two Flyers to start all 35 games.

In high school he was a two-time All-Baltimore Catholic League selection for St. Maria Goretti and averaged 16 points, six rebounds and two steals per game as a senior. Blakney scored over 1800 points in his career and ranked second in school history. He finished at Loomis Chaffee School where he was named New England Prepatory School Athletic Council Class A Co-Player of the Year, as he averaged 20 points, six rebounds and two assists per game.

Blakney joins Tyrone Williams, Yamari Allette, Vasean Allette, Devin Ceaser and Daniel Pounds as members of the 2023 recruiting class.