As Charlotte’s highlights pan across the nation’s high definition television screens, an unfamiliar blonde blur puzzles even basketball’s biggest fans. Fantasy gurus and NBA nuts can’t figure it out. Even at Charlotte Bobcats Arena, causal followers are still confused.

Who is that Walter Herrmann guy?

Sure his physical features – golden locks and sharp jaw– strongly resemble Fabio of advertising fame, loosely earning him the nickname among the Bobcats locker room. But beyond his unique physical characteristics, remains a private persona still absorbing and piecing together the inner facets – and sometimes secrets – of American and NBA culture.

The rookie, even though he still has difficulty communicating English through a thick Argentinean accent, appears to be acclimating to his new lifestyle through increased confidence and comfort levels.

A then career-high 19-point, 10 rebound effort – his first-ever NBA double-double – against Cleveland on March 20 may be evidence he’s morphed into a bonafide contributor that yielded him a spot on the Bobcats roster back in September.

“I’m getting more minutes and I feel a lot more comfortable in the system,” Herrmann, who logged a career-high 40 minutes in the overtime Cavaliers win, said recently. “Those are the key things. I’m confident my shot is going to go down and I’m just playing without thinking.”

The 27-year-old international import, who most recently spent three seasons with Unicaja Malaga of the Spanish ABC League, hit a career-best nine treys and shot nearly 60 percent (25-42) from the field during a recent five-game span, but none proved larger than the overtime swish from the left baseline to seal the upset victory over Cleveland.

“I had no pressure,” Herrmann said. “I knew it was a big shot, but I feel very confident in my three-point shooting. I let it fly and it went in.”

Aside from his improved scoring, the Bobcats coaching staff feels secure including him in the rotation especially because of his increased presence defensively.

“The one thing he’s really been really consistent at, whenever we put him on the floor, he wreaks havoc on defense in terms of denials and keeping the ball away from people,” said Charlotte General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

Though his improvement continues to become increasingly public, Herrmann’s development has been a tedious, yet rewarding progression.

“Walter is starting to understand the game a lot better now,” said Managing Member of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan. “I think initially, it was a culture shock.”

Prior to July, Herrmann had never visited the United States. So in addition to acclimating to a lifestyle and language, the rookie had to exert extra energy to adapt to the grueling NBA schedule.

While some critics questioned his acquisition midway through the 82-game season, Bickerstaff understood his enduring qualities, which in turn, swayed his once skeptic teammates.

“What our guys talk about, and they’ve gained a lot of respect for him, is the fact of how strong he is and his physical conditioning,” Bickerstaff said.

Added Matt Carroll, the Bobcats leading three-point shooter, “Walter brings aggressiveness to the court. He’s always playing hard, so you know every night he’s going to go out and play hard. When he’s open, he can shoot the basketball and he’s physical. He’s got a big strong body and can bang with some of the big guys.”

The coaching staff also adores his Argentinean heritage, which has produced surprise standouts like San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and Chicago’s Andres Nocioni.

“That whole (Argentinean) crew, they do not back down from anyone,” Bickerstaff said prior to tip off on Tuesday. “That’s half of the battle when you’re not in awe.”

In Herrmann’s case, his development has advanced in large part due to the myriad of injuries to Charlotte’s frontcourt. The injury-laden roster forced Bickerstaff to play smaller lineups and thus created a window of opportunity for Herrmann’s successes.

Could it also be attributed to a late season annunciation change?

Herrmann, who comprehends more English than he can articulate, still sometimes converses through a translator. The translator, usually assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg, who also specializes with Herrmann’s personal development, interpreted an emphasis on the first double consonants. The rookie, perhaps seeking acceptance, never made an effort to correct the wrong pronunciation.

“He’s been learning English all the way through,” Kloppenburg said. “He had some difficulty (initially) understanding what was being taught. He was a little bit tentative earlier in the year. Now, he understands everything and is getting a lot of confidence.”

That increased confidence has led to a 15.3-point clip since March 14 and might suggest the rookie is earning another season or more in a Bobcats uniform.

“He’s starting to adjust and I think he has a good understanding of the game here,” Jordan said. “I think his skill level is very versatile, he can play multiple positions, and I think he has a future in this organization. We hope that he continues to make the progression that we anticipate.”