Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2024
- Class:
- 2009
A product of Pittsburgh's historic Hill District who lived a mere 600 yards from the Petersen Events Center, Blair is one of the most dominant and decorated players in the history of Pitt basketball. A 6-foot-7 center, he bullied taller opponents with a rugged and relentless style. Blair averaged a double-double (15.7 points and 12.3 rebounds) during his final collegiate season, leading the Panthers to a 31-5 record and the Elite Eight of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Pitt twice ascended to its first-ever No. 1 national ranking that season. Blair was a 2009 consensus All-American—becoming the first Pitt basketball player to earn that stature since Don Hennon in 1959—and the Big East's Co-Player of the Year. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, averaging 11.6 points and 9.1 boards, to earn 2008 Big East Co-Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-America accolades. Blair's play lifted Pitt to the 2008 Big East Tournament title. He was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2009 NBA Draft and later played with the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards over a seven-year pro career.
