Dec. 19, 2007
PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh freshman center DeJuan Blair was named the Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week for the third time this season and second consecutive week. The Pittsburgh, Pa. and Schenley High School product also earned the honor on November 13, December 12 and now December 19.
In Pitt's 85-68 win Saturday against Oklahoma State, Blair notched his fourth double-double of the season with a 20-point (8-10 FG), 10-rebound performance. He either set or tied career-highs for points (20), blocked shots (5) and minutes played (31). Blair has registered double-doubles in three of Pitt's last four games.
On the season, Blair is averaging 11.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He leads the Panthers in steals (24), is shooting 57.6 percent (49-85) from the floor and 76.9 percent (20-26) from the free throw line while seeing action in 21.9 minutes per game.
Earlier this week, Blair earned Pitt's first Big East Rookie of the Week selection since Sam Young earned the honor on December 26, 2005.
No. 11 ranked Pitt (10-0) travels to Madison Square Garden to play No. 7 Duke (10-0) in the Aeropostale All-America Classic on Thursday, Dec. 20. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
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