The strained muscle is located near his rib cage on the left side. However, the exact diagnosis isn’t known at the moment.

“I don’t think I got hit or anything,” Wade told the Miami Herald. “But you never know. You just want to make sure you don’t want to make it worse, not knowing what it is.”

Without Wade in the lineup, the Heat lost to the Spurs by a final score of 95-93. The Spurs won thanks to a monster effort from their second round pick DeJuan Blair. Blair finished the game with 28 points, four rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes. The Heat were led by Daequan Cook’s 20 points.

The Heat play again on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Keep an eye open to see if Wade will be able to bounce back from his rib injury.

Dwyane Wade - Miami Heat (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Dwyane Wade Injury Update – Ribs

Even though Blair was a second round pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, he’s widely regarded as the steal of the draft. It took all of one game for Blair to prove that there might be something to that talk.

Said Blair: “I did what Coach Pop asked of me and that was to rebound. Everything else came after that.”

Blair played his college basketball at Pittsburgh and was the nation’s best rebounder on a per-minute basis. Despite being only about 6-foot-6, he has a wide, strong body that allows him to create space. If he can give the Spurs another bigman option outside of Tim Duncan and the newly acquired Antonio McDyess, the Spurs will be thrilled by their second round pick.

DeJuan Blair - San Antonio Spurs (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

DeJuan Blair Dominates in Debut

Blair is regarded by many as the steal of the 2009 draft. Projected early on to be a lottery pick, the bruising forward out of the University of Pittsburgh fell in the draft due to concerns about his health. In fact, MRIs prior to the draft showed that Blair doesn’t have ACLs in his knees. As a result, many team doctors red flagged him and there’s doubt about how long he’ll be able to play in the NBA.

However, in his two years at Pittsburgh, Blair was extremely dominant. He was the best rebounder in college basketball and also scored well. For the Spurs, he’ll give the team a backup bigman who should be able to come in right away and produce next to Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson.

DeJuan Blair reportedly signed a contract with the Spurs (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

DeJuan Blair Signs Contract with the Spurs

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs
When the draft process first began, DeJuan Blair was regarded as a lottery pick. But then a look at his knees scared off a number of teams and tumble down all the way to the Spurs at pick number 37. He should be a fantastic fit in San Antonio.

DeJuan Blair - San Antonio Spurs (Image: Zuma Press)

Danny Green, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers need some help out on the perimeter and they got exactly that with Danny Green in the middle of the second round. He’s a very sound player who has great fundamentals. If he can prove to be good enough athletically, he should become an NBA player.

BJ Mullens, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mullens is another potential lottery pick who dropped. He was eventually secured by the Thunder at 24. He’s a raw prospect but he has enough natural athleticism and skill to become a good player.

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers need a point guard for the future and were able to land Jrue Holiday at 17. He’s a couple of years away from being able to help on a nightly basis but his potential is high.

Post from: EveryJoe

Biggest Steals in the 2009 NBA Draft

– Boston College guard Tyrese Rice scored 24 on 7-9 shooting (5-5 from downtown) in a 6 point win over UAB.

– Wake Forest super sophomore James Johnson scored 18 on 8-13 shooting in a victory against UTEP. Star guard from UTEP, Stefon Jackson, scored 31 and pulled down 9 boards in the loss.

– Tennessee forward Tyler Smith shot 50% from the field and 90% from the line en route to a 21 point effort in a win over Georgetown.

– Syracuse shifty sophomore guard Jonny Flynn scored 15 to go along with 6 feeds in a 3 point in over Virginia.

– Pittsburgh big man DeJuan Blair notched his 4th double-double of the season with 15 and 11 in a 13 point beat down of Texas Tech. Forward Sam Young scored 24, but it he took 25 shots in doing so.

– Michigan State foward Raymar Morgan scored 29 points on 9-11 from the floor and 11-13 from the charity stripe in a 15 point victory over Oklahoma State.

– Oklahoma brute Blake Griffin did not have a compelling performance from the field (5-13) but he did have 21 rebounds and 3 blocks in an overtime win over Purdue. Although Blake’s brother Taylor was not a Wooden Preseason Top 50 player, he scored 19 on 8-11 shooting.

Mind-boggling STAT of the DAY

Oklahoma shot 46 free throws compared to only 5 for Purdue. Oklahoma connected on 4 three pointers compared to 12 three pointers for Purdue.

The difference…

Sooners had 7 more offensive rebounds and 7 more steals than the Boilermakers, plus 5 less turnovers.

Post from: EveryJoe

Friday’s solid performances

Not only did Mike Cook get a no go for another year of eligibility, but quality guards Ronald Ramon and Keith Benjamin graduated.

Everyone knows what to expect from tough minded Levance Fields, but what if Levance cannot shake the concerning foot injury suffered last year? Unheralded freshman Travon Woodall can’t be expected to help the team right the ship, maybe in a pinch, but it’s not likely because of the lack of experience and firepower at the two guard position. Ramon played the point sufficiently enough to keep the team from imploding. But there’s no Ramon type guy yet here. He might be on the roster, but no concrete evidence suggests that whoever it will be is ready now.

Optimistically they will have to look for JUCO transfer Jermaine Dixon to endear himself to defensive guru Jamie Dixon, not an easy task for a newcomer. Jermaine, younger brother of NBA’er Juan Dixon, put up 20ppg last year in junior college. But will he be the type of defender that Pitt can rely on? He will be sharing time with returning big guard Gilbert Brown, a high flyer who desperately needs to incorporate some kind of reliable jump shot to his repertoire.

A possible dark horse player to quell this two guard spot quandary could be sharp shooting freshman Ashton Gibbs. If he can provide outside shooting, it would allow Sam Young to be able to focus his efforts on scoring in the paint instead of relying on the three. Gibbs also provides some ball handling skills that would be vitally needed if Levance was to be hobbled for any substantial length of time.

Out of the returning players, Young attempted the most three’s last season. To some degree Young will have to be a threat, which he already is (38.3% 3pt in 07/08), but it would behoove the Panthers if Young can couple his talents with inside enforcer DeJuan Blair and virtually dominate points in the paint. But I’m not sure if Pitt can get away with Sam Young being hesitant to take a lot of threes. After all, the team is apt to take less threes than it did last year mostly because of the graduation of Ramon and Benjamin. The production will have to come from somewhere though. Come tourney time, the more hot shooters you have, the better.

The emergence of a competent fourth and fifth scorer will be something to keep an eye on early in the year as Pitt battles four overmatched opponents right out of the gate.

But an even more of a crescendo of concern rests at the spot opposite of terror DeJuan Blair.

Senior Tyrell Biggs is dependable, his 74 consecutive games played streak is proof he can be a consistent contributor. But can he be the prototypical role player needed to play alongside Blair? Both Blair and Biggs are about 6’8, so if Jamie Dixon wants to try a starting frontcourt of Young, Biggs and Blair, seemingly they would be very sound on the glass and on defense. But could a more athletic lineup of Young, Blair and SF (insert name here) be more suitable for offensive production?

Based on the matchups of a particular game, Jamie could even institute a lineup where Young is the two guard.

November 22 versus Indiana University (PA) would be an infallible opportunity to try any last experiments still rattling around in Jamie Dixon’s head.

Or maybe it’s just my head.

Post from: EveryJoe

Pitt’s Big Three and then…

His health is a prime concern right now. Will he be ready for the beginning of the season?

Looks as if the early season schedule will allow Pitt to take it slow with Fields.

Friday, Nov. 14
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON
Petersen Events Center
TBA

Monday, Nov. 17
MIAMI, Ohio
Petersen Events Center
TBA

Friday, Nov. 21
Legends Classic vs. AKRON
Petersen Events Center
TBA

Saturday, Nov. 22
Legends Classic vs. IUP
Petersen Events Center
TBA

Tuesday, Nov. 25
BELMONT
Petersen Events Center
TBA

Forward DeJuan Blair had an impressive rookie season last year, posting 11.6 ppg and 9.1 reb/gm.

Guy Junker and Jon Burton had the low-down on the seventh straight tourney appearance for the Panthers.

Post from: EveryJoe

Pitt Panthers highlights

We are coming to you LIVE from Madison Square Garden as the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Duke Blue Devils get set for what should be a fantastic contest.

Today’s announcers are Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas. Rock solid announcing crew.

And here we go…

• Duke comes out in a straight man to man. It will be interesting to see if the Duke frontcourt is athletic enough to keep up with the Panthers.
• Both teams come out a little shaky – a couple of turnovers and offensive fouls early on.
• Duke has now switched to a zone defense and forces a quick turnover. Pitt’s DeJuan Blair steals the ball at the top of the key and is fouled on the breakaway dunk attempt. Score tied 3-3 at the 17:37 mark.
• Pitt has four early turnovers – their guards are not making good decision on the perimeter.
• Gerald Henderson of Duke called for a charge – he has two quick fouls, which isn’t good for the Blue Devils. Duke ahead 5-3 with 15:57 to go.
• Duke’s 6′8″ freshman Kyle Singler is showing a lot of game tonight – two quick buckets on a couple of nifty moves.
• Singler with another nifty cut to the hoop for another bucket. He’s very active on both ends of the floor.
• Pitt is doing a better job at spreading the floor and passing the ball around the perimeter. Score tied at 9 with 13:38 to go.
• DeMarcus Nelson buries a trey for the Dookies, and the pace is starting to pick up a bit.
• Pitt’s PG Ronald Ramon picked up his dribble way above the three point line and nearly turned the ball over. That is the third or fourth time he’s picked up the dribble way to early. Duke up 14-11 at the 11:20 mark.
• Duke is extending their defense high up top and is making it hard for Pitt to get into their offensive sets.
• Blair just sent Jon Scheyer layup attempt into the third row. With authority! Blair is well on his way to a double-double.
• Yet another Pitt turnover up top. Bilas said that Pitt usually doesn’t turn the ball over very much…I find that hard to believe. Duke up 19-13 with 7:44 to go.
• Duke’s Greg Paulus hits a deep three off a screen to put Duke up 22-13. Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon calls a timeout as the Blue Devils are on an 8-0 run.
• Blair picks up his second foul on the low block instead of passing out of a double team. Not a good decision. Pitt hasn’t scored in the last 4:15.
• Singler with a nifty turn-around jumper to push the Duke lead to 11.
• Pitt now has 13 turnovers after a very sloppy pass just over half court. The Panthers are completely out of synch. Duke up 31-15 with 3:52 to go and they are threatening to blow this game wide open.
• It looks like Duke has another 3-point madman with Taylor King – he just drained a shot from deep in the corner. Bilas says he’ll shoot from anywhere inside half court. Let’s hope so – I love watching a mad bomber hoist up threes from anywhere and everywhere.
• Blair gets loose inside for an easy hoop to trim the lead to 12, 34-22.
• Going into half time, Dixon cannot be pleased with his team’s effort on the offensive end of the floor. Way too many turnovers, way too many sloppy passes, way too many forced shots. If they don’t settle down in the second half and do a better job of getting into their offense, Duke could easily run away from them.

2nd half

• Duke is continuing to put a lot of pressure on the Pitt guards. Ramon is having a terrible time beating anybody off the dribble, and his teammates aren’t setting any screens for him.
• Pitt is just standing still on offense – nobody is cutting to the ball, nobody is screening away. Absolutely awful execution.
• After Singler makes a quick pass out of a double team, Bilas exclaimed “some guys look…other guys see – and Kyle Singler sees.” Duke up 38-26 at the 16:31 mark.
• Duke is doing a phenomenal job at switching on defense – Pitt is only 1 for 9 from behind the arc, and they aren’t getting many good looks.
• Sideline reporter Doris Burke is now interviewing Duke’s new football coach, David Cutcliffe. Yeah, that’s a job that I would want. Best wishes with that David.
• Pitt continues to settle for fall-away jumpers and low percentage shots. One thing going for them – they are already in the 1 and 1 at the 14:50 mark. If they can start making their free throws, Pitt might keep this game close.
• Pitt is trying to push the tempo after missed Duke shots, which is a good strategy. They can’t do anything against the Blue Devils’ half court defense, so why not push the pace. Duke up 43-33 with 12:47 left in the game.
• Pitt has narrowed the lead to 5 with some good defense and fast break buckets. If they want to win this game, they need to keep pushing the ball up the floor.
• Pitt is now in the double bonus with 10:42 to go. Blair is only 5 for 13 from the line tonight.
• Blair is whistled for an intentional foul after taking down Singler on a rebound attempt. The freshman isn’t afraid of anybody and is a strong as a horse.
• Blair grabs his 13th rebound and the putback to bring the Panthers within 6 at 48-42.
• Levance Fields hits a huge three to pull the Panthers within 3, and Duke calls a quick timeout. Pitt is playing with more energy, and it is about time they did.
• Blair with a quick steal that leads to an easy layup. Pitt is down only one.
• The senior Henderson just drew an offensive charge on the freshman Blair – great play by the Duke veteran. Henderson flopped and the refs bought it.
• Another turnover by Duke – they are looking very unorganized on the offensive end.
• Nelson pushes off with his elbow on a fastbreak and gets whistled for the foul. Bilas, being the Duke homer that he is, says it was a bad call. I disagree – he definitely raised up his elbow and pushed off.
• Bilas with a great quote – “having fun is doing hard things well”. Well said.
• Blair with another huge offensive rebound and draws the foul on Singler – his 4th. Singler has been very quiet in the second half. If only Blair was hitting his free throws, Pitt would have a 7-8 point lead.
• Pitt’s Sam Young grabs an offensive rebound off of a missed free throw and draws the foul. Pitt takes the lead on Young’s two free throws, 50-48.
• Duke can’t buy a basket right now. Pitt’s physicality is starting to pay dividends. Blair with another offensive board but misses the easy put-back.
• Duke hasn’t scored in the last 4:48. Talk about a game of scoring droughts…
• Singler is back in the game guarding Blair – if Pitt was smart, they’d feed the ball into Blair until he fouled Singler out.
• Singler makes a nifty move to the hoop but misses the easy lay-up. You’ve got to dunk that ball, son. Either go up strong or go home.
• Pitt up 52-51 at the 2:35 mark, as we take a TV timeout.
• Singler with a huge three from the top of the arc to tie the game at 56. 1:31 left in the game.
• Young with a big fadeaway jumper as the shot clock was running down. Henderson comes right back down and hits a great turnaround jumper to even the score.
• Pitt got the shot they were looking for, but Young’s baseline jumper went long. Duke with the ball, 16 seconds left, score tied at 58, and the shot clock is off.
• Henderson with a drive, Singler grabs the rebound but his tip-in won’t fall. And we go to OVERTIME…

OVERTIME

• Blair picks up his 4th foul – he must be careful on both ends of the floor from here on out.
• Pitt’s Mike Cook drives the lane, goes down in a crumpled heap and is screaming in pain. His left knee just buckled as he planted to jump. Not good at all…
• Blair with his 18th board of the night. Pitt needs to get him some more touches down on the low block.
• Young with a tough baseline runnier to push Pitt back in front 60-59. He was almost behind the backboard when he released the shot.
• Gerald Henderson takes a really tough shot from the foul line – Coack K can’t be happy with that shot selection.
• Nelson with a fantastic up and under baseline drive and draws the 5th foul on Blair. Blair finishes with 15 points, 20 rebounds and 3 blocks. Can Pitt survive without Blair in the game?
• Nelson completes the three point play to push Duke ahead by 1, 63-62 with 1:15 to go.
• Duke is now pulling the ball back and making Pitt come out and challenge them. They can’t take too much time to start their offensive set.
• Fields is called for an offensive foul – Pitt isn’t getting any calls right now. It looked like Singler leaned into him a bit.
• Pitt is forced to foul Singler with 23 seconds left. First foul shot is in and out. Some freshman nerves, perhaps? Second foul shot rattles around and goes in. Duke up 64-62 with 16 seconds left.
• Fields drains a step back trey from the top of the key with 5 seconds left!!! Duke has no timeouts, Scheyer forces up a long range 3 and it isn’t close. Pitt wins 65-64.

If there is such a thing as an ugly win, this was it. Duke definitely let this one get away. Give Pitt credit for keeping their composure and fighting back in the second half.

Post from: EveryJoe

12/20 Duke vs. Pittsburgh – as it happens

Thursday December 20th – #7 Duke at #9 Pittsburgh. The young Dookies will face a huge test as they travel to Madison Square Garden to face the Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and the Panthers. Both teams have played pretty easy schedules up to this point, so this game will be a great gauge of just how good they really are.

Saturday December 22nd – #4 Georgetown at #2 Memphis. A fantastic top-5 battle will take place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis when Roy Hibbert and the Hoyas come to town to face Chris Douglas-Roberts, Derrick Rose and the high-flying Tigers. If there is one game you watch this weekend, it is this one. Hibbert is the premier center in all of college basketball, and Rose is making a big splash in his freshman season.

If a battle of top-5 teams isn’t enough to satisfy you, may I also recommend watching #5 Texas at #10 Michigan State. The Longhorns have successfully survived the graduation of Kevin Durrant, thank you very much, with D.J. Augustin leading the charge. The Spartans are always tough to play at the Jack Breslin Arena, and the Longhorns know they will be in for a battle.

Post from: EveryJoe

Games to watch this week – 12/19