PSR Showdown
Will DeJaun Blair or Terrelle Pryor be the better pro?
By Anthony Jaskulski
Pittsburgh Sports Report

Big Fella

There is no question that Terrelle Pryor can become a superstar in the NFL, but betting on who has the best overall odds of becoming a better pro athlete, the wager has to be placed on DeJuan Blair.

Pryor has but a spots where he can excel in the NFL. If he can't cut it as a defensive back, receiver or quarterback, where else can he make an honest living? Just ask phenomenal college quarterbacks Eric Crouch, Troy Smith, Andre Ware and countless others that couldn't cut it in the pros.

Unlike most young NFL quarterbacks, NBA rookies often have an immediate opportunity to start playing and become a key component to the team.

Unlike a quarterback, a big man-even in the NBA-can go without scoring and still be a most dominant figure in a game.

DeJuan Blair possesses those components.

Blair is a creator; he can make up for his lack of height size, whether it is with his 7'2" wingspan, fast hands that elite masseuses envy, impeccable court vision or his large frame that can clear space in the paint. All are key components in being an immediate force in the league.

Blair fits the profile of Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis. Davis, who averaged 36.4 minutes in the 2009 playoffs, brings agility, footwork, hands, and most importantly, a strong, large frame that can clear out the low post, garnering better position, giving himself a taller advantage in rebounding and drawing fouls.

Like Blair, the second year NBA stud Davis never really had a consistent mid-range jump. But as is the case of most big men entering the league, an outside-the-paint game needs developed. Blair, like Davis this season, will be adding a deeper jump shot to his repertoire, and making him a deadlier, double option big man.

Most important to Blair's pro status is that he already banged with the big boys on numerous occasions. He's faced seven-footers in Roy Hibbert, David Padgett, Bryce Husak and Hasheem Thabeet, putting up exceptional numbers on all of them. He can do it again; he will do it again.