I seem to remember a lot of talk this season about Blair trying to play his way into the national player of the year conversation... I watched most of the Pitt & Oklahoma games last night, and I am convinced that Blair is about 1/2 the caliber of Griffin.
First, is there another player in the country that rises and falls with the refs whistles more than Blair? He seems to only excel in games where the zebras ignore his lowering the shoulder in the post, moving screens, and the one foot glued in the paint. In games with a reasonable amount of accurate calls he tends to dissappear.
Also, does he need to complain after every single call that goes against him. I saw him get called for fouls 3 times last night, and after everyone he went screaming and pouting over to Jamie Dixon. He also only averages 26 minutes a game.
On the other hand it seems that Griffin just does his job and runs back down court when it doesn't go his way. Oh and in doing so, scores more points, gets more rebounds, and plays 7 more minutes a game.
This might not be new information to anyone on this board, but I was just very underwhelmed last night with Blair. If he runs into one official with a short fuse it will be an early exit for Pitt once again.
I agree with everything here. I've noticed much the same. Griffin is a player...straight up. He goes out on the court to play ball and doesn't let anything get in his head. I like watching him play.
Blair on the other hand...I used to like him. Last year he seemed to work hard and have a good head on his shoulders. Now he seems to expect things to happen for him.
Quote from: MU_B2002 on March 13, 2009, 09:34:43 AM
Also, does he need to complain after every single call that goes against him.
He learned that move from Harangody.
Blair is a very good player, but the refs in the BE have let him get away with a lot. I wonder if that will continue in the NCAA tournament. If not, Pitt could be in trouble much earlier than many expect.
I agree with Griffin, great player and plays the game the right way.
Quote from: MU_B2002 on March 13, 2009, 09:34:43 AM
First, is there another player in the country that rises and falls with the refs whistles more than Blair?
I think Thabeet could make a strong argument for this award as well.
Blake griffin looks almost like Chris Grimm. Oh, what could have been....
I agree with the above comments, take Blake Griffin over Dejuan Blair on the basketball court, any day.
But if the question is, Dejuan Blair and Blake Griffin share the same prison cell, who is who's biatch? DB is da man, and BG would be wearing lipstick.
Or in a fight to the death with bare hands in a cage, DB comes out on top. That dude is scary.