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Sonny Parker Fall League - Blackshear picks Louisville

by MICHAEL O'BRIEN - Chicago Sun Times - December 25, 2009

Louisville coach Rick Pitino received a major Christmas present Friday, as Morgan Park junior Wayne Blackshear gave the Cardinals an oral commitment.

“Coach Pitino’s reputation and Louisville’s style of play is what really did it for me,” Blackshear said. “I took two visits there and really felt comfortable.”

“There really wasn’t any special reason that I decided on Christmas. I just sat down and talked with my family and we decided Louisville was the best fit for us.”

Blackshear, the top-ranked player in the state's 2011 class and one of the top 15 players in the country, chose Louisville over a host of high-major programs, including DePaul, Illinois, Marquette, Tennessee, North Carolina, Southern Illinois, Nevada-Las Vegas, Kentucky, USC, Indiana and Michigan State.

Pitino was in attendance at Morgan Park’s game against Harlan earlier this month.

"The perception for several months has been he is leaning towards Louisville," recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen said. "It's kind of an ideal fit for him as a player, because of what they allow their players to do. He's very comparable to Terrence Williams. He's a big 6-6 wing with great body and athleticism, they will really utilitize that."

Blackshear and club teammate Mike Shaw, a junior at De La Salle, said over the summer that they would be a "package deal" when it came to their recruitment.

“I’m not sure about that anymore,” Blackshear said. “Maybe. It’s still possible.”

Blackshear's tremendous start has the Mustangs off to a 10-1 record. His numbers have been impressive all season, including 39 points and 21 rebounds against Uplift, 26 points and 11 rebounds against Vocational, 42 points and 18 rebounds against East Aurora and 34 points and 10 rebounds against
St. Rita.

"Wayne has made tremendous strides," Henricksen said. "He was lacking consistency before this season. He really took off this summer in Las Vegas. From that point on he has become such a highly-productive player. He's had a number of dominant performances in the season so far. He's improved his jumper and already had a college-ready body. He's put the whole package together."

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