By all indications, Dejuan Blair's collegiate basketball career has concluded. He ceremoniously finished his career by being named a first-team All-American. The sophomore from Pittsburgh signed a marketing and advertising contract with attorney James 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.
Blair Hires Agent
"DeJuan Blair is Pittsburgh through and through, from the junior program J.O.T.S. through Schenley High School to the University of Pittsburgh," Cook said in a statement. "We are confident that he will make the city of Pittsburgh proud and enjoy a long NBA career."
In two seasons at Pitt, Blair scored 979 points and pulled down 769 rebounds. He was the Big East co-player of the year this season as well as a first-team All-American for every major publication.
Blair Knee Problems
Blair has already undergone two knee surgeries and for a likely NBA power forward, he cannot afford another major knee injury. In the second round of the NCAA tournament he collided with Oklahoma State's Byron Eaton and was on the floor for over a mintue. Many feared a catastrophic injury that might end his season. However, Blair popped up and played a vital role in the rest of the tournament for the Panthers.
Blair Turns Pro
University of Pittsburgh basketball coach Jaime Dixon met with Blair several times since the Panthers finished their season to discuss Blair's thoughts on returning to school or heading to the NBA draft. Recently, Blair had told sources that he was 50/50 about his decision. Like Pitt star running back LeSean McCoy who announced he was leaning towards returning during the season, Blair stated his intentions to return in February. However, with guaranteed money and a contract on the table, it was not in his best interest to return to Pitt.
Critics of players who jump to the NBA early have stated for years that players could develop and earn more money in the NBA if they waited. With Blair, it may only give scouts more time to dissect his game and realize his shortcomings. He is unlikely to gain a perimeter game which is the only aspect that is not-NBA ready at this point.
Blair NBA Prospects
Blair is an in-between size for an NBA inside player at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds, but is an instinctive rebounder -- he easily led major college players in offensive rebounding -- and he was not overmatched physically even against centers who were seven or eight inches taller.
Among the college season's signature moments was when the muscular Blair flipped UConn's 7-foot-3 Hasheem Thabeet over his shoulder and to the court as the two contested a rebound.
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