Blackjack
02-14-2010, 03:53 AM
Enter Showman
Blackjack - SpursTalk.com
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/blair4.jpg
It took no longer than the starting lineup's introduction to see that this was something different.
The precocious 20-year old rookie was finally in his element.
Allowed free reign to break reins, Blair would get his All-Star Weekend started with an all-eyes-on-me shimmy; a light-hearted moment that pleased his teammates as much as the crowd.
Blair’s interaction with teammates was something to behold, as they gravitated to the charisma of the would-be "Beast"; his confidence and smile are infectious and bring forth it’s own gravitational pull.
He’s engaging, likeable and a genuine young man.
He commands respect without demanding it and receives it in the oft chance he should; his coach might say he instills the appropriate amount of fear.
Prior to Friday's Rookie-Sophomore tilt, Blair would make his intention known: the rebounding record was his. And to attain his objective, he would make one simple request: get out the way.
It was a time to let loose, put on a show and have some fun, but Blair would have his cake and eat it too.
Always the chip on his shoulder, a good time wouldn't prevent him from seeking an answer to his most baffling question.
Thirty-seventh in the Draft?
Really?
At some point in his career, that question’s resonance will fade; the doubters will be proven right or wrong, with whatever success he does or doesn’t achieve.
But, for now, it’s the fuel that keeps a fire burning.
Blair would rack up 22 points, 23 rebounds and 4 assists -- in what’s become a glorified scrimmage -- and, by night's end, have the winner of the game's MVP looking to share the award.
Evans was a worthy selection and the clear-cut best player on the court. -- It wasn’t his fault the voters were forced to turn in their ballots before game’s end –- He got to the basket at will, as he set the tone early, and left jaws dropped with a couple of spectacular finishes below the rim; visions of Dr. J and one of his most famous baseline drives would come to mind on one particular foray.
But his teammates play and cult of personality lead him to pay homage with a very humble and deferential gesture.
As far as Evans was concerned, his MVP would be shared.
It was a kind gesture and one that Blair surely appreciated. But, again, it was a slight.
“I just can't catch a break, man. I don't know what I've got to do, but that's all right.”
It’s not good enough for Blair to play well, he seeks vindication; that award a pittance of the comeuppance he feels due.
Blair enjoyed his time with fellow classmates and the chance to display particular talents wasted on a coach like Pop -- throwing an alley-oop to himself on one possession, followed by a three-point shot on his next, and displaying his best Rucker Park handle when afforded the opportunity -- but even that million dollar smile couldn’t mask the frustration that’s come to define and stoke the fire of his basketball career.
Even as he let his hair down -- Coach Pop surely pulling his out from afar -– the road he’s traveled is never out of sight; injuries, physical attributes and naysayer’s, won’t allow it to be.
With the 37th pick in the ’09 Draft, the Spurs believed they’d netted their “ass-kicking four”.
What they’ve come to find in Blair, is a blue-collar showman; a player on a never-ending search for that next MVP award.
Blackjack - SpursTalk.com
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/blair4.jpg
It took no longer than the starting lineup's introduction to see that this was something different.
The precocious 20-year old rookie was finally in his element.
Allowed free reign to break reins, Blair would get his All-Star Weekend started with an all-eyes-on-me shimmy; a light-hearted moment that pleased his teammates as much as the crowd.
Blair’s interaction with teammates was something to behold, as they gravitated to the charisma of the would-be "Beast"; his confidence and smile are infectious and bring forth it’s own gravitational pull.
He’s engaging, likeable and a genuine young man.
He commands respect without demanding it and receives it in the oft chance he should; his coach might say he instills the appropriate amount of fear.
Prior to Friday's Rookie-Sophomore tilt, Blair would make his intention known: the rebounding record was his. And to attain his objective, he would make one simple request: get out the way.
It was a time to let loose, put on a show and have some fun, but Blair would have his cake and eat it too.
Always the chip on his shoulder, a good time wouldn't prevent him from seeking an answer to his most baffling question.
Thirty-seventh in the Draft?
Really?
At some point in his career, that question’s resonance will fade; the doubters will be proven right or wrong, with whatever success he does or doesn’t achieve.
But, for now, it’s the fuel that keeps a fire burning.
Blair would rack up 22 points, 23 rebounds and 4 assists -- in what’s become a glorified scrimmage -- and, by night's end, have the winner of the game's MVP looking to share the award.
Evans was a worthy selection and the clear-cut best player on the court. -- It wasn’t his fault the voters were forced to turn in their ballots before game’s end –- He got to the basket at will, as he set the tone early, and left jaws dropped with a couple of spectacular finishes below the rim; visions of Dr. J and one of his most famous baseline drives would come to mind on one particular foray.
But his teammates play and cult of personality lead him to pay homage with a very humble and deferential gesture.
As far as Evans was concerned, his MVP would be shared.
It was a kind gesture and one that Blair surely appreciated. But, again, it was a slight.
“I just can't catch a break, man. I don't know what I've got to do, but that's all right.”
It’s not good enough for Blair to play well, he seeks vindication; that award a pittance of the comeuppance he feels due.
Blair enjoyed his time with fellow classmates and the chance to display particular talents wasted on a coach like Pop -- throwing an alley-oop to himself on one possession, followed by a three-point shot on his next, and displaying his best Rucker Park handle when afforded the opportunity -- but even that million dollar smile couldn’t mask the frustration that’s come to define and stoke the fire of his basketball career.
Even as he let his hair down -- Coach Pop surely pulling his out from afar -– the road he’s traveled is never out of sight; injuries, physical attributes and naysayer’s, won’t allow it to be.
With the 37th pick in the ’09 Draft, the Spurs believed they’d netted their “ass-kicking four”.
What they’ve come to find in Blair, is a blue-collar showman; a player on a never-ending search for that next MVP award.