My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Since I went to the University of Pittsburgh the past 2 years before transferring this year to American University, I have had the chance to watch about every game Dejuan Blair has played in College. I have seen him live a dozen times and seen about every game.
Positives on Offense:
- AMAZING nose for the basketball. Is able to find the ball and get it. Stops at nothing and gets relentless to get the boards.
- Is excellent at creating space and positioning himself in order to get the ball. His anticipation for the boards in the best I have seen in a long long time.
- Has good touch around the rim. He loves to use the baby hook in the middle, and does so with great efficiency.
- Most of his points come out of craftiness and physical play. He is able to up and under most players and pump fake them out of their shoes. He is also able to just go right at them like a tank and score.
- Baseline Jumper is getting up there with consistency. The past season and towards the end, he was able to step out and hit the mid-range jumper.
- On the boards, he is an animal. Almost nothing will stop him, and he rips the ball from opponents hands with such force. I honestly cant compare him to anyone. If anyone, he is like a super-charged version of Paul Milsap on the boards. His positioning, angles, and anticipation is superior to 99.9% of players in Basketball.
Negatives on Offense:
- Doesnt have that much explosion in his legs and doesnt elevate that well to get the boards or score. That said, this is where his 7'3 wingspan comes into play. He is able to be so efficient due to his wingspan.
- Doesnt have a back to the basket post up game as of yet. He usually backs down his defender than does a quick turn around to score. His craftiness comes into play a lot, but he has about 1/10000000000000000000000000000000000000 of the post game Tim Duncan has. That said, there are times where he shows flashes of excellence in the post, and times he has no clue where in relation he is to the basket. But he is only 19 and will learn from the greatest ever.
- If you force him outside the block, he is in trouble outside of his baseline jumper. I doubt many will be able to move him outside the block, but if they do he is quite some trouble.
- Free throw shooting is atrocious. Shoots below 60% and is terribly inconsistent.
Positives on Defense:
- On the block, though he holds his position very VERY well. Is an immovable object. When you saw Kurt Thomas being unable to be backed down, think Dejuan Blair x 100.
- Is able to alter shots with his wingspan, even if he doesnt get that much elevation.
- No one will get inside position on him. Way too forceful.
- Rebounding is his strong point again, positioning, creating space, and boxing out players is just an art for him. He makes it seem way too easy, and at times out-rebounded 3-4 players while he was the only player on the block (Pitt went with 3 guards and a Small Forward and Blair as lone big man many times this season).
Negatives on Defense:
- Not so good at pick and roll defense. His lateral quickness is decent, but he hedges out too far sometimes. Needs to vastly improve on this in his defensive game.
- Since he doesnt get that much elevation in his jump and undersized, taller athletic players(forwards) will have a field day with him. Dirk Nowitzki comes to mind and would eat him alive. However, dont mistake that with athletic post players. He is able to stick with about any post-player there is. Athletic, fundamental, or pure brute force.
- Fouls a bit much. Needs to tone down on pump fakes and fouling.
Personality:
Extremely confident on the court. Doesnt trash talk that much, but is FLOWING with emotion and fire. Screams and yells all the time on the court with intensity. Off the court he is one of the most humble people you will ever meet. Takes his time with fans and people. Doesnt think he is better than anyone and doesnt believe he is Hollywood.
IF anyone has any questions about his game, just ask.
07-07-2009
tp2021
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
If only your understanding of women could compare.
07-07-2009
benefactor
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Thanks for the assessment man. It's good to get a take from someone who has a lot of first hand experience with him.
07-07-2009
picnroll
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Was he ever in really great shape in college or for that matter in high school, like he's planning to be, and seems to be getting, in the pros.
07-07-2009
DBMethos
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Thanks for the write up :tu
...can't wait till SL this Sunday!
07-07-2009
z0sa
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Thanks.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by picnroll
Was he ever in really great shape in college or for that matter in high school, like he's planning to be, and seems to be getting, in the pros.
In college he had good conditioning and was built like a tank. He is thick and extremely strong. No one ever doubted if he was in shape due to his play in 20-25 games.. However, there are questions surrounding if that can translate to 82 game season. There will be no problems though when it comes to the season. His work ethic is excellent.
07-07-2009
tp2021
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
- Doesnt have a back to the basket post up game as of yet. He usually backs down his defender than does a quick turn around to score. His craftiness comes into play a lot, but he has about 1/10000000000000000000000000000000000000 x 1000000000 of the post game Tim Duncan has.
wat
07-07-2009
Shastafarian
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
- Doesnt have a back to the basket post up game as of yet. He usually backs down his defender than does a quick turn around to score. His craftiness comes into play a lot, but he has about 1/10000000000000000000000000000000000000 x 1000000000 of the post game Tim Duncan has.
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottspurs
Where is Manu when you need him?
:lol
07-07-2009
Vic Petro
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
This is definitely a fair and pretty accurate assessment. I too have watched Blair play a million times from the perspective of the opposition, and I can say that this is definitely a guy you gameplan around (in college). He had Sam Young and Levance Fields on his team, but defenses prepared to try and neutralize Blair moreso than anyone.
07-07-2009
timvp
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Nice job.
Regarding his jumper, there was a stat I saw that he shot less jumpers than anyone else in the draft. From videos I've seen, the only jumper he has in his game is a near flat-footed jumper he takes when he's posting up and the defender is giving him too much space. Did he ever shoot jumpers in any other situation? I haven't seen him shoot a catch-and-shoot jumper outside of about ten feet and no jumpers off the dribble.
07-07-2009
scottspurs
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Although I do like Blair, I think he is going to get alot of 3 sec calls. It looks like he is around the basket alot.
07-07-2009
picnroll
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
I'm a little surprised about the post moves. He seems, on rebounding and put backs, to have really good insticts for moving, getting the ball up really quickly, getting to the opposite side of the rim to protect the ball. No indecision, no twenty pump fakes like a former short Spurs post man. Seems like he could become an effective lost post player along the lines of Scola with his instincts.
07-07-2009
completely deck
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Oh man I'm excited! Blair is my guy this year. He's gonna be an X factor, I can feel it. :hungry:
07-07-2009
Man In Black
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
It's been said that Blair would study the playbook and knew when and where the ball would be shot so as to be in the right place at the right time. Chance favors the prepared mind...this guy is living that.
07-07-2009
Brazil
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
- Free throw shooting is atrocious. Shoots below 60% and is terribly inconsistent.
.
No doubt at all he is spurs material.
Renaldo thanks for the write up ! really nice to have such a detailed analysis, much better than what I read so far.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by timvp
Nice job.
Regarding his jumper, there was a stat I saw that he shot less jumpers than anyone else in the draft. From videos I've seen, the only jumper he has in his game is a near flat-footed jumper he takes when he's posting up and the defender is giving him too much space. Did he ever shoot jumpers in any other situation? I haven't seen him shoot a catch-and-shoot jumper outside of about ten feet and no jumpers off the dribble.
I dont think I have ever seen him take a catch-and-shoot jumper outside of ten feet in my life. Thats not his game at all. And he will never ever take someone off the dribble. He lives and dies in the paint, a la Dwight Howard.
He does have a baseline jumper in his arsenal though, and it is developing quite nicely.
07-07-2009
Brazil
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
I dont think I have ever seen him take a catch-and-shoot jumper outside of ten feet in my life. Thats not his game at all. And he will never ever take someone off the dribble. He lives and dies in the paint, a la Dwight Howard.
He does have a baseline jumper in his arsenal though, and it is developing quite nicely.
I'm fine with that actually, I thought last year SA was too much a jump shooting team, if not for TP, I think we would have been the worst for points in the paint.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by picnroll
I'm a little surprised about the post moves. He seems, on rebounding and put backs, to have really good insticts for moving, getting the ball up really quickly, getting to the opposite side of the rim to protect the ball. No indecision, no twenty pump fakes like a former short Spurs post man. Seems like he could become an effective lost post player along the lines of Scola with his instincts.
Yeah, he does have extremely good instincts. But he doesnt have the finesse of post moves down. He pump fakes, but doesnt do it about a billion times. He is extremely crafty, but not really a true back to the post player. Loves the low post though. He can score though, but its not traditional post moves he does.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottspurs
Although I do like Blair, I think he is going to get alot of 3 sec calls. It looks like he is around the basket alot.
He lives in the paint, but he rarely gets 3 seconds called on him. He has a really high basketball IQ and knows when to move out and in.
07-07-2009
cool cat
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
I think it was one of the newscasters here that said "get ready for Malik Rose 2.0".
Is that a pretty fair assessment?
07-07-2009
Blackjack
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
Negatives on Defense:
- Not so good at pick and roll defense. His lateral quickness is decent, but he hedges out too far sometimes. Needs to vastly improve on this in his defensive game.
- Since he doesnt get that much elevation in his jump and undersized, taller athletic players(forwards) will have a field day with him. Dirk Nowitzki comes to mind and would eat him alive. However, dont mistake that with athletic post players. He is able to stick with about any post-player there is. Athletic, fundamental, or pure brute force.
- Fouls a bit much. Needs to tone down on pump fakes and fouling.
I haven't been able to see him play as much as you have, but the fouling seemed to be more than just a bit much.
I noticed he got caught reaching and not moving his feet quite a bit, and that's something I'm sure Pop and the staff will look to remedy asap. (The Spurs make a point of not fouling)
In regards to his offense.. I saw a couple of games where he had a bit of a flat-footed bank-shot (ala Tim) and a turnaround-jumper over his right shoulder in the post, so were those some exceptions to the rule or aspects he's added and improved upon up to this point?
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by cool cat
I think it was one of the newscasters here that said "get ready for Malik Rose 2.0".
Is that a pretty fair assessment?
No.
A fair assessment would be a Paul Milsap on the boards, the physicality of Kurt Thomas/Reggie Evans, and the craftiness of Luis Scola all mixed in one.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21
I haven't been able to see him play as much as you have, but the fouling seemed to be more than just a bit much.
I noticed he got caught reaching and not moving his feet quite a bit, and that's something I'm sure Pop and the staff will look to remedy asap. (The Spurs make a point of not fouling)
In regards to his offense.. I saw a couple of games where he had a bit of a flat-footed bank-shot (ala Tim) and a turnaround-jumper over his right shoulder in the post, so were those some exceptions to the rule or aspects he's added and improved upon up to this point?
Those are aspects he has added. Well, he didnt have the Bank-Shot his freshmen year that well and his turnaround-jumper was not that efficient. By the end of the season though, those 2 worked pretty well for him along with his baby hook.
And the fouling is a result of being too aggressive sometimes and not moving his feet like you said.
07-07-2009
tp2021
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
No.
A fair assessment would be a Paul Milsap on the boards, the physicality of Kurt Thomas/Reggie Evans, and the craftiness of Luis Scola all mixed in one.
But can he play?
07-07-2009
Libri
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
I think the only negatives that really standout are free throw shooting and fouling. Since he is going to spend a lot of time in the paint, he is going to have to temper his impulsiveness and avoid fouling. He needs to be able to stay in the game to prove what he can do. Furthermore, since he is going to play physical near the basket, it looks like he is going to get fouled often. Hopefully he will be able to get extra points by knocking down some of those free throws.
07-07-2009
Spursmania
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
No.
A fair assessment would be a Paul Milsap on the boards, the physicality of Kurt Thomas/Reggie Evans, and the craftiness of Luis Scola all mixed in one.
The way he looked at the press conference one would think he has always been in shape. Can you tell me what physical changes you've seen in him from his freshman year to now?
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spursmania
The way he looked at the press conference one would think he has always been in shape. Can you tell me what physical changes you've seen in him from his freshman year to now?
Freshmen year he was a bit more chunkier, but not fat. His sophomore year and how he has added more muscle and gotten leaner. But I think this is the perfect shape he should be in. You dont want him slimming down so he cant effectively create space and position himself on the block.
07-07-2009
Spursmania
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
Freshmen year he was a bit more chunkier, but not fat. His sophomore year and how he has added more muscle and gotten leaner. But I think this is the perfect shape he should be in. You dont want him slimming down so he cant effectively create space and position himself on the block.
Great-thanks. Yes, I think currently, he weighs just about right where the Spurs would want him. I suppose he could gain more muscle, but anything less than 265 would not be optimal for his role.
07-07-2009
superbigtime
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Wow great post man, thanks. I just cannot WAIT to see this guy live. He is going to WRECK the league. I just hope Joey Crawford gets in his way.
Haven't gotten too many goose bumps reading ST posts lately, but that did it for me.
:lobt2:
07-07-2009
spurs_fan_in_exile
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
How are his hands? Is he a guy that can convert a lot of points off of passes out of double teams? I used to think that having good hands and rebounding went hand in hand (no pun intended) but Nazr broke me of that belief for good.
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by spurs_fan_in_exile
How are his hands? Is he a guy that can convert a lot of points off of passes out of double teams? I used to think that having good hands and rebounding went hand in hand (no pun intended) but Nazr broke me of that belief for good.
Wow, I forgot to add in those parts. His hands are AMAZING. He can catch almost anything that comes his way and even the bullets he catches with ease. He looks like Torry Holt compared to Nazr. He also is a pretty good passer out of the post and is able to see the open man. And yes, he can can covert points out of double teams.
07-07-2009
SpursWench21
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Great post sir!
I hope he does so well in the Summer league that he'll get a little more recognition than he did on draft night. I know i know, its early...but i have a great feeling about Dejuan's rookie season. Even though he wont get nearly as many minutes as David Lee gets (since he starts), i remember Lee making quite a few splashes in the media due to his ridiculous amounts of double-doubles...I hope Blair can make a similar splash his rookie season with his rebounding and physical play....hell, him appearing on the top10 rookie lists on ESPN/NBA.com will even get me ecstatic :rollin
Two of my best friends will be in Vegas this weekend...lucky bastards! and theyre going to try and hit up a few summer league games. Im hoping they get to see Blair and McClinton and give me some good feedback that i can relay to ST.
Again, nice 1st-hand prespective Ren and heres to a hopeful and very possibly successful future for our rooks and our team!:toast
07-07-2009
SpursWench21
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
I know, i know David Lee isnt a great comparison. Last year was his 4th season and his double-double extraveganza came just then, BUT he was the 30th pick (2005) and look how he turned out. I can see Blair's future in a similar way but obtaining better results sooner than his 4th season.
07-07-2009
Spurtacus
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Nice post Renaldo. I don't expect Blair to be an all-star right away but he's a good fit for the Spurs. Really looking forward to seeing him play. SL right around the corner.
07-07-2009
Kamnik
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Great stuff! I am even more excited to see him play now after reading thins!
07-07-2009
Ed Helicopter Jones
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Nice analysis.
The negative: Confucious say, "Undersized power forward who rely too much on baby hook in NBA will soon enjoy many servings of leather stew."
The positive: Confucious say, "Man knowing how to position for rebound can jump like Bird and still own many balls."
07-07-2009
hillscountry
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbmethos
thanks for the write up :tu
...can't wait till sl this sunday!
tv?
07-07-2009
Buddy Holly
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Anyone wants to know what we're getting just watch this.
07-07-2009
DBMethos
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by hillscountry
tv?
The SL games should be broadcast on NBA.com.
07-07-2009
my2sons
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
Wow, I forgot to add in those parts. His hands are AMAZING. He can catch almost anything that comes his way and even the bullets he catches with ease. He looks like Torry Holt compared to Nazr. He also is a pretty good passer out of the post and is able to see the open man. And yes, he can can covert points out of double teams.
Manu will definitely put him to the test there. Can'twait to see what chemistry these two create
07-07-2009
Marcus Bryant
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman
No.
A fair assessment would be a Paul Milsap on the boards, the physicality of Kurt Thomas/Reggie Evans, and the craftiness of Luis Scola all mixed in one.
Right. Spurs ended up with one of the best players in the draft.
07-07-2009
completely deck
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buddy Holly
Anyone wants to know what we're getting just watch this.
Good grief. :hungry:
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant
Right. Spurs ended up with one of the best players in the draft.
Sarcasm or truth/agreement?
07-07-2009
Samr
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant
Right. Spurs ended up with one of the best players in the draft.
Was that sarcastic? I believe Sports Illustrated had him going 10th overall.
Time will tell how he truly ranks, but I cannot believe that a player in SI's top-10 went in the second round. I know that team execs have more info than them, but come on!! Really???
07-07-2009
mosdef17
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buddy Holly
Anyone wants to know what we're getting just watch this.
I've seen this before and it is just the perfect example of how much effort this guy gives on both ends. Also, if you watch Blair as that layup (that he eventually puts back) is shot, as soon as the shot leaves his hands Blair can see it's not good and starts running at it straight away. This guy truly does have an amazing nack for rebounding...
07-07-2009
erikuff
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
He seems like a fantastic rebounder, but a troubled defender.
07-07-2009
Ace9
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Great post. My question is:
I know that he is only 6-7. For a PF that can be troubling, but I understand he has about 7-3 wingspan. Has his height ever effected his game negatively in any way? And do you have any comments on his wingspan and how that effects his game?
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ace9
Great post. My question is:
I know that he is only 6-7. For a PF that can be troubling, but I understand he has about 7-3 wingspan. Has his height ever effected his game negatively in any way? And do you have any comments on his wingspan and how that effects his game?
No. And you might think I am sounding Biased since I am a Spurs fan. But seriously no. He had 22 Points and 23 rebounds against 7 foot 3 Hasheem Thabeet last year in one game. He also had 23 Points and 22 Rebounds against Notre Dame and Luke Harangody who is 6'9 and 260 pounds the same season.
07-07-2009
Cant_Be_Faded
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
I can't help but wonder how much of his rebounding prowess was due to the ncaa rules of not prohibiting 3 in the paint...
07-07-2009
RenaldoBalkman
Re: My Perspective on Dejuan Blair. (I saw almost every game of his in College)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cant_Be_Faded
I can't help but wonder how much of his rebounding prowess was due to the ncaa rules of not prohibiting 3 in the paint...
It didnt help him that much. He hovers around the block a lot but doesnt sit in the paint like Shaq. He is in and out and times shots and angles really really well.
