By Sam Draut
Wayne Blackshear came to the University of Louisville as a McDonalds All-American
and the 26th-ranked player by ESPN in the 2011 recruiting class.
But, as highly-touted a recruit as Blackshear was, his career as a Cardinal did not start
smoothly. He suffered a torn labrum and missed more than half of his freshman year.
He debuted against West Virginia and finished with 13 points and four rebounds, a brief
glimpse of his talent.
In the NCAA Final Four game against Kentucky, Blackshear had nine points and four
rebounds in just thirteen minutes.
As a sophomore, Blackshear started 34 games and split time at small forward with Luke
Hancock. Blackshear averaged 7.6 points per game and shot 32.1 percent from the three-
point line.
The 6-foot-5 junior now appears to be completely healthy and taking the ball to the
basket to go along with his jump shot.
“That is my old self, attacking the rim, trying to get into the lane a lot more, I can get
to the free throw line, that is coming to me first now,” Blackshear said. “It’s confidence in
myself believing I can do what I use to do,”
Hancock has been limited by injuries this fall. In addition, forward Chane Behanan was
suspended from the team indefinitely and is expected to return soon.
Because these two players are missing time, Blackshear’s role will be brought to the
forefront.With the absence of Behanan, Blackshear has spent time at the power forward
position.
“If any big guys get into foul trouble or we see a line up where I can be effective at the
four, I think I’ll play,” Blackshear said. “It creates a lot of mismatch problems, I can put the
ball on the floor, and I give the guys a lot of opportunities on pick and roll when I set the
pick. I still have to get adjusted to it, but I think I’m going to play there a lot.”
Defensively, Blackshear gives up some size against most power forwards, but a focus for
him becomes the NCAA crackdown on hand checking.
“We are so used to bumping guys because that is how we play, I just have to get adjusted
to the new rules,” Blackshear said.
Blackshear has been a part of the two deep runs in the NCAA tournament, a Final Four in
2012 and a National Championship in 2013. He has won two conference tournaments, and
since he has been with the team, U of L has a combined record of 65-15.
Now, as junior, Blackshear becomes a veteran and proven winner. As Louisville looks
to establish a mini-dynasty, Blackshear’s development will be a key factor in this season’s
success.
“I’m taking it more serious, working, staying in the gym, learning the offense,” Blackshear
said. “I have to step up and be a leader, that’s what I think my role is, rebound more than I
did last year, and knock down shots, help the team win the best I can.”
