DeJuan Blair

An early entry candidate for the 2009 NBA Draft.

Career Highlights:

One of only two players in Pitt history (along with Billy Knight) to register two 20-point/20-rebound performances in a career. Tied school record with three 20-rebound games. First player in school history to surpass 400 points and 300 rebounds as a freshman.

Sophomore (2008-09):

Big East Co-Player of the Year and All-Big East First Team selection. Named All-America First Team by AP, USBWA. NABC, and others. Finalist for Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards. Led the nation in offensive rebounding (5.6 rpg), ranked fourth in overall rebounding (12.3 rpg) and 19th in FG percentage (.593). Also finished among conference leaders in scoring (15.7 ppg, 13th) and steals (1.54 spg, 13th). Set Pitt record for total rebounds in back-to-back games with 41 (23-UConn, 18-DePaul). Recorded 21 double-doubles on the season, the second-best conference mark. Averaged 16.8 points, 13.8 rebounds and shot .551 from the floor in four NCAA Tournament games. Named to East Regional All-Tournament Team. Grabbed a career-high 23 rebounds and scored 22 points vs. UConn. Scored a career-high 32 points and grabbed 14 boards vs. DePaul. Recorded 23 points and 22 rebounds vs. Notre Dame.

Freshman (2007-08):

Big East Co-Rookie of the Year and All-Big East Honorable Mention. A three-time Big East Rookie of the Week selection. Ranked 39th in the nation and fourth in Big East in rebounding (9.1 rpg). Also ranked among conference leaders in field-goal percentage (7th), steals (11th), offensive rebounding (3.89 rpg, 1st) and defensive rebounding (9th). Set Pitt freshman records for games started (36), games played (37), rebounds (337) and field-goals made (168). Registered 14th and final double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds vs. Georgetown in Big East Championship. Reached double-figure scoring in 25 games. Grabbed season-high 20 boards and scored 15 points in 35 minutes vs. Duke.

Strengths: Freakish wingspan, high motor and soft hands make him an extremely productive interior player. Outstanding rebounder at the collegiate level. Plays with energy and emotion. Relishes contact.

Personal: A Pittsburgh native who grew up less than 600 yards from the Pitt campus. During high school, played on USA Junior All-Star squad that toured Europe and earned MVP honors after recording 25 points and 15 boards for Team USA in title game vs. Russia. Son of Greg Blair and Shari Saddler. Cousin of Pitt football player Cameron Saddler. Nickname is Big Fella or Fella. Guided Schenley HS to the PIAA Class 4A state title.