Blair needs to jump to the NBA while he can

This same thing happened just a few months ago: A star Pitt player shined just a little too… This same thing happened just a few months ago: A star Pitt player shined just a little too much for comfort during the season, bringing up the option to play professionally. Pittsburgh media buzzed and Pitt fans freaked.

Then, it was LeSean McCoy. Now, it’s DeJuan Blair.

Like they did in January when McCoy was leaning toward the Draft, Pitt fans are talking about how Blair needs to stay in college to improve his game, better his Draft stock and lead Pitt to a championship. But guess what, Pitt fans? Blair gave you all the time he needed to. And like McCoy did just months ago, it’s time for Blair to take the next step.

There’s not much question about it, Blair needs to say goodbye to Pitt. Not because the Panthers won’t be able to use him next season — he’ll likely be the Big East’s best player if he returns — but because the opportunity he has at the next level is just too good to pass up.

Blair is ranked among the top-20 NBA prospects by nearly all the Draft services and could improve that ranking by giving good workouts at NBA camps. Even if he stays in the 15 to 25 range, it’ll be worth going.

Don’t pull that he-won’t-make-enough-money-if-he-goes-now argument. Or the he-can-get-a-better-contract-next-year argument, either. Ex-Georgetown center Roy Hibbert, who was the 17th overall pick last year and now plays for the Indiana Pacers, is locked in to make about $1.5 million this season. Ryan Anderson, the 21st overall pick, will make more than $1.2 million. What will Blair make at Pitt? Nada.

Of course, it’s not just about the money. Guys need to play for the love of the game, and that’s understood. But money still has some importance, right?

Then there’s that other thing. Like how some people say leaving early can hurt a player. Yeah, a lot of times those people are right. Chris Taft, for example, is one of those players who made the mistake of leaving too early. The ex-Pitt center left after two seasons only to flop in the NBA and, well, fall off the face of the earth.

People will bring the Taft comparison when talking about Blair, too. But Blair has what Taft lacked. He has a great attitude, a great work ethic and the essentials that make professional basketball players succeed. His hands might be the best in the game right now, and his agility goes unmatched.

Still, there’s no way he’s completely tapped into his potential. Can his jump shot improve? Definitely. Can his ball-handling get better? Of course. His free-throw shooting? No question, it needs work. Blair needs a free throw coach, an outside jumper and better skills when it comes to defending on the perimeter.

But why does he have to do it in college? Can’t he work on those things at the next level?

In the NBA, Blair will get a chance to focus solely on basketball. He’ll have the best people coaching him, and he’ll be surrounded by the world’s most talented, most developed players. Because of that, he’ll improve quickly.

Here’s the thing: Pitt fans want Blair back next season, and college basketball fans want Blair back next season. He’s fun to watch and he brings excitement to the game. Not only that, but Blair will make Pitt a top-20 team once again next year. Imagine him playing in the post with Dante Taylor. Mmmmm, that would be fun.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for him.

So many people talk about how a certain player should act and what they should decide on when it comes to their professional career. But those people have no idea what it’s like to be in that situation. They don’t know what $1.5 million smells like and what it can do not only for the individual, but for that individual’s family. If Blair stays, he’ll likely be a higher pick and sign an even bigger contract. But who’s to say he’ll be healthy after next year? He’s had a history of knee trouble at Pitt and tore both of his ACLs in high school. So if he turns the wrong way or comes down hard after a rebound against Providence next season and can’t play again, what’s he going to do? There’s insurance he can get, but that doesn’t ensure him a spot in the NBA. Nothing does, except for the option of entering the Draft now.

He’s started both years, leading the Panthers in rebounds. He shared Big East rookie-of-the-year honors, then earned Big East player-of-the-year honors a season later. He helped bring Pitt to its first-ever No. 1 ranking, it’s first-ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and also won a Big East tournament championship. He’s dominated Hasheem Thabeet. He’s pulled down double-digit rebounds in Big East play.

He’s done more in his two years than most people expected him to do in four. Some people expect him to do the same thing next year for Pitt. But the problem is, those people shouldn’t.