Wayne Blackshear

The only word that I can use to describe this kid at the moment is WOW.. never in my years of being a die-hard Card fan have I been more excited about a recruit that Pitino has inked.  The first thing that jumps out of the screen at me while watching this kid play was his crazy athleticism.  He's blessed with a great frame at 6'5" and can really play above the rim at times, even rebounding like a 4 man out of his guard position.  This kid really is the perfect example of the all around player.  He can dribble as if a point guard, has the size to guard 3 positions, runs the floor extremely well, possesses an excellent midrange stroke that extends way beyond the 3-point arc, and has all the makings of a prototypical Pitino wing player.  In just his junior year he took the Chicago area by storm averaging 29.2 points, 14.2 rebounds (as a guard), and 2.2 blocks per game while leading his Morgan Park team to the city championship.  Rumor has it, at the end of the championship game Wayne makes the tying basket in the closing seconds while getting fouled, makes the go ahead free-throw, then blocks the other teams final shot to seal the victory.  The kid is special.

Expectations- From the day Wayne arrives on campus his skills and instincts will force Ricky P. to start him as a freshman.  Day one, this kid will be the most talented player at Louisville and will hold that billing for the next 2 and maybe 3 seasons.  Expect Wayne to average some crazy numbers that will fill a stat line, I'm talking T-Will type stuff only Wayne will be a better scorer. Something like 18 points, 7 or 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.  It will blow my mind if this kid isn't a two time All-Big East by the time he leaves and an All-American.  I expect Wayne to stay 3 years, reason being that Pitino is quoted saying "Wayne bleeds Louisville red." There's no doubt in my mind that this guy will be ready for the NBA after his sophmore year.

Weaknesses- The only thing I can find that actually may qualify as a weakness for Wayne would be this strength.  He looks a little lanky now but expect him to put on 10 pounds of muscle... Watch out!

G's Grade- A

Comparison- Evan Turner

Below is a link of a nice highlight tape put together Wayne showing off all of his skills... Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyu4YJlIon8