One more gift under that Christmas tree, Louisville fans.
Wayne Blackshear, the top player in the Illinois class of 2011, chose the holiday to convey his verbal commitment to join the University of Louisville basketball program. He picked U of L over Kansas, Texas, Illinois, Michigan State and DePaul.
The 6-foot-6 forward from Chicago is rated as a five-star recruit by Scout.com and the 11th best player in the class.
Earlier this month, Blackshear scored 29 points, added nine rebounds, four blocked shots and three assists in a win over Notre Dame, prompting these accolades from a Chicago Sun-Times writer:
“Blackshear scored every way imaginable: in transition, popping three-pointers on the break and using his speed and athleticism to attack the rim … Blackshear was otherworldly in the first half (with 18 points). He scored twice on amazing spin moves and literally leapt over a Dons’ defensive player in scoring on a lay up.”
Just last Monday, Blackshear scored 19 of his 42 points during a 37-11 third-quarter run to lead his undefeated Morgan Park team (10-0) to a 77-47 win over Uplift.
There may be a few more surprises to come. Blackshear is close friends with a couple of other players, Mike Shaw and Marquis Teague, who also happen to be on Rick Pitino’s wish list.
Charlie and gang:
It’s Time to Remember: The Original Dream Game U of L – UK 1983
“There have been some great games over the years, but none so big. So much was at stake, and the winner went to the Final Four. The weight of the State was on the shoulders of the players and coaches.”
“There was only one–the original–Dream Game.”
http://hellinthehall.com/2009/12/25/the-original-dream-game-u-of-l-uk-1983-2/
Charles Jones, U of L center in The Game