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April 8, 2009

Good Luck DeJuan Blair

Filed under: Basketball,Draft,NBA — Chas @ 4:45 pm

He admits, there is no going back.

Blair signed a marketing and advertising contract with Cook, who will help Blair hire an NBA certified agent later in the process. But by signing a marketing and advertising contract with Cook, Blair is foregoing his final two years of eligibility to turn professional.

As for finding an agent, that will come in time.

“There’s no turning back,” said Blair, who started the news conference by sending his condolences to the three City of Pittsburgh police officers killed in Saturday’s shootings in Stanton Heights.

Blair said he hasn’t signed an agent, “but I will in the next couple weeks.”

“It was more something that I wanted to do more than money and making a big transition for me and my family. It was a real big decision but I had to do what was right for me. Nobody made the decision but me.”

I am naturally more cautious, so I would have preferred that he waited on ending his eligibility. Still, if he’s all-in, then why not. Blair does not seem the type to go halfway. This will give him a chance to really work on skills and with a trainer in the coming months.

Plus, DeJuan Blair actually has charm and enthusiasm that would give him a shot at some marketing opportunities, despite not being a can’t-miss NBA prospect.

I wish him the best.





Ouch!

Comment by Gas 04.08.09 @ 4:58 pm

Nothing but class throughout his two years at the university. He will be sorely missed. But he took us to new heights, and left the school better-off than when he got there. What else can you ask for?

Here’s hoping the Jazz let Boozer walk, re-up Millsap, and draft DeJuan. Then I wouldn’t dislike anyone on the team! And they’d have my favorite (okay, co-favorite with Sam Young) player in the league.

I guess more realistically, Sam might fit for the Jazz at the end of the first round, giving them some grit behind CJ Miles. If DeJuan could pump up his stock, and the Warriors get leapt by a few teams in the lottery, they could take him at 10, and I could see him play every night. That would be kinda cool.

Comment by maz. 04.08.09 @ 5:19 pm

Wrote a long comment about about how I think this is a horrible decision not to test the waters first. Screw it, though. Good luck DeJaun. You’ll be missed. Thanks for two great years!
Time to hit the recruiting trail hard Mr. Dixon. Let’s plug those holes!

Comment by Dave in Orlando 04.08.09 @ 5:24 pm

Quick question: Does anyone know how the money for the NCAA is done. Unlike football bowls games, NCAA tourney games are based on how far you advance or is it one flat payout for making it….Thanks

Comment by mp 04.08.09 @ 5:27 pm

Best of luck to DeJuan – hopefully his workouts go well and he maintains or improves his draft status over the next couple months. I’m guessing that I will actually follow the NBA a little more closely next year.

As for Pitt, if he was going to go, it works out best for the team that he goes “all in” now. This will free up his scholarship and allow Dixon to make a run at another player for next year, if he so chooses.

Next season is going to be a very interesting season…

Comment by Pantherman13 04.08.09 @ 5:38 pm

He has the work ethic and drive to make it. Its a totally different story then Chris Taft (lack of ethic) and Aaron Gray (not as skilled).

Blair feeds of being the underdog…. I wish him all the best.. and rep Pitt in the NBA along with Young.

Comment by Snala the Panther 04.08.09 @ 5:54 pm

NCAA tournament money is dispersed based on how many games you played. However unlike bowl games, it is done on a multi-year basis. For instance even if Pitt doesn’t make the tourney next year, we are still awarded money next year and for several years after. It has to do with how many NCAA games you average over a 4 year period or something. Its complicated

Comment by Jamie H 04.08.09 @ 6:01 pm

Does anyone remember the glorious 18-16 season under Evans that included the thrilling two point win at Penn State (65-63?) with ample close-ups of Joe in the stands during the NIT first round? I believe it was ’92-’93. Maybe that’s the kind of season we are looking at. Sounds like a breather all the way around. Still wishing for 30 wins but needing to roll with the punches.

Comment by TonyinHouston 04.08.09 @ 6:06 pm

Good luck to DeJuan. I also expect that he will one day have his jersey hanging at the Pete. I know that was a dream of his and I see no reason it won’t happen now that he is a 1st team All American and soon to be NBA player.

Comment by Tiger Paul 04.08.09 @ 6:27 pm

I think you’ll know everything you need to know about how Jamie and the gang feel about the upcoming season based upon the schedule they draw up. If it is once again heavy on the various St. Francis schools around the country, prepare for a very rough BE slate. Not sure about precisely what commitments we’re already in, but I think Florida State is on the schedule again.

Would like to see: more of Siena, they’re a legitimate team. Offer them 2 for 1. I understand that going up there would be rough, but they just inked Fran M to a long-term deal. They could be the next Xavier/Gonzaga. A crappy ACC team (there are oodles to choose from) like NC State. A renewal of the PSU rivalry. Temple on the schedule, so we can go play in Philly more and work the contacts there. And Manhattan, not only because of their coach, but also their location.

Comment by maz. 04.08.09 @ 6:27 pm

The team next year will be a lot better than anyone anticipates. The last time we were doubted and unranked to start the year we turned out fine. The team next year will lay the building blocks to what should be the best team ever in 2010-2011.

Comment by Rob 04.08.09 @ 6:30 pm

I think people are over stating how bad the team will be next year. I actually think there is a chance that the team will improve defensively (though offensively they may struggle to score). I definitely see a bid as an 9 seed or higher though. I mean every year we doubt Jamie Dixon because he lost too many players, and every year Pitt is in the top half of the big east. I think we should give the guy the benefit of the doubt.

Not saying final four or anything, but I also dont think they will fall to 18-16 or the like.

Comment by Srikant 04.08.09 @ 6:31 pm

Pitt loves you DeJuan. Best wishes on the future.

Aaron Berry, take some notes

Comment by RJ 04.08.09 @ 6:49 pm

Pardon me, fans, but it is way, way, too early to even guess about next year.

Time to move on to the Frozen Four.

Comment by steve 04.08.09 @ 7:15 pm

TonyinHouston – yes I remember it. I was there. I also remember it snowed during the game and made a heck of a trip home in my friends Ford Probe on the donut spare (we got a flat on the way up). Those were the days.

Good luck to Blair. I may start watching the NBA now!

Comment by Yeti 04.08.09 @ 7:52 pm

Best wishes to Blair. Looking forward to watching him compete at the next level.

Comment by MoE 04.08.09 @ 8:30 pm

“I’m guaranteed being a first-round pick.”

I found this comment bit disconcerting. He’ll likely be a first-round pick, but nothing in life is guaranteed.

Comment by Dave in Orlando 04.08.09 @ 8:52 pm

Anyone who thinks this team will win less than 20 games is insane and hasn’t been paying attention over the last 6 years.

Comment by Hollywood 04.08.09 @ 8:59 pm

Yeah honestly it was good for him to go now and free up the scholarship. Hopefully Dixon calls up Will Coleman now, if he hasn’t already. I think he could definitely be a player or us and his experience will ease the loss. In a couple years it could be taylor, coleman, epps, wanamake/gibbs whoever plays shooting guard. Probably will have patterson somewhere in there, and we got a bunch of good big men. We’ll be raw next year but talented so I think we wil definitely make the tournament again and may start playing well at the right time due to the experience piling up. If we get a 10 or 11 seed we could make a little noise.

Comment by Matthew 04.08.09 @ 9:03 pm

I will miss his great smile and how he looked like he was really enjoying PLAYING the game. Best of luck to you DeJuan, thanks for the memories, and make us proud to call you one of our own.

Comment by Annie 04.08.09 @ 10:05 pm

Thank you, DeJuan!

You played with passion and the love of the game and PITT!

Just hope you or Sam get drafted by the Blazers!

Hail to PITT!
-al-

Comment by Oregon_Panther 04.09.09 @ 12:04 am

I could see certain GMs not rating Blair so high as an NBA prospect, but others probably love his game. If Dixon talked to a few at the back end of the draft who were enthusiastic about Blair and wanted to pick him, then there is little sense in waiting around before entering the draft. The whole key is getting into the first round and picking up the guaranteed money. Manage that well (most NBA players do not) and you are set for a while.

Comment by Brian 04.09.09 @ 12:43 am

I have faith that Pitt will again find themselves in the NCAA tourney. The bottom line is Jamie Dixon just finds a way to get the job done. I expect we’ll see someone from this years bench step up and become a solid contributor next year to help fill the holes left by Young, Blair and Fields.

I mean, there’s no chance we’re going to be a #1 or #2 seed, but there’s no reason why we can’t be in the top 5-6 from the Big East, which should be enough to guarantee a NCAA bid. Dante Taylor looks like he could be a beast.

The only thing that sucks for this program is the current lack of scholarships for the next couple years. Coming off an Elite 8 appearance, our recruiting should get a tremendous boost…but unfortunately, we only have one scholarship remaining for either this year or the 2009-2010 class. I’d love to bring in Coleman, but I’d be wary of not being able to recruit anyone else from the 2009-2010 class.

Hopefully for Pitt, if any of the current group fail to develop, they will see the writing on the wall in terms of playing time and will choose to go elsewhere to start.

Comment by Jake 04.09.09 @ 1:56 am

I’m sad for myself because I will miss him. But, I feel happy for Blair because he deserves it. This team will never be the same but that only means we get to see new players develop into heroes. We have a very good shot at 2 first rounders! That’s awesome.

Comment by Panthoor 04.09.09 @ 2:31 am

In life there is always a silver lining to every cloud – sentimental thoughts, yes – but pretty much true.

With Blair leaving early and being drafted in the first round (probable) and if Sam Young goes first round (possible) – combined with Dixon winning COY honors, PITT has just about the best advertising possible for near future recruiting.

Gee, who wouldn’t want to play for a guy that not only wins games but send 2/5ths of his starting team to the NBA for big paychecks.

I would guess PITT BB will recede a bit from this season’s final standings, but would be shocked if they didn’t still have an exciting and fulfilling year next season. Dixon is too good a HC to tank a year.

Comment by Reed 04.09.09 @ 4:39 am

Unfortunately, I see a huge similarity in the skills possessed by Dejuan and a former Panther who left early for the NBA- Jerome Lane. Both were excellent college players, outstanding rebounders, though undersized, with very limited offensive skills when outside of six feet. Both were also mediocre free throw shooters. Jerome left early and went on to a disappointing, vagabond NBA life for several years. I feel that both would have been better served by spending the extra year sharpening their weaknesses.Anyone else see the similarities?

Comment by kazdoz 04.09.09 @ 8:21 am

Both Lane and Blair were as good rebounders as you will find in the college game. The difference is that DeJuan can score off the rebound, and from the low post. Neither had a good shot away from the basket.

I see parallels of family interference in the decisions of Shady and DeJuan going pro. You may remember that Shady delayed his decision, and I will always believe he was the one who wanted to stay but was being pushed by everyone else to leave. DeJuan is obviously intent on going pro but the immediate signing of the marketing deal with a family attorney reaks of family pressure in that it seals the deal, and there is no going back.

Note that this is just my assessment from afar, and hopefully it is the best for both of them, and wish them nothing but success. And also, as previously mentioned, Coach Dixon can now go forward to pan for next year knowing exactly what he has to work with … and if that involves bringing someone else in, so be it.

Comment by w bill 04.09.09 @ 8:48 am

Hey, even if Dejuan gets drafted in the 1st round and lasts 5 seasons in the league like Jerome did, he’ll be a millionaire several times over. This is an easy decision for him.

Comment by maguro 04.09.09 @ 9:00 am

Land and Blair have some similarities, but having watched both, it seems that Blair has a better work ethic. Also, while Lane was a tremendous rebounder, Blair seems to be a better offensive rebounder. I’m not sure how that will translate in the NBA, where the opposition is going to be bigger and more skilled, but we’ll see.

I don’t mean for this to sound like a rag session on Lane. In some areas, he was more skilled than Blair. Certainly, he could play above the rim, and he was also a better ball handler than Blair. That being said, I always felt that Lane could have been really great if he had worked at it.

Comment by Pantherman13 04.09.09 @ 9:26 am

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