DeJuan Blair got the media love ahead of Pitt’s season opener. Makes sense as Pitt’s biggest recruit in years, a freshman starting, and a local product.

Blair, who turned the bid to replace All-America Aaron Gray into a one-man show, will be only the third freshman in two decades to start the season opener at Pitt.

The Schenley High School product also is the first City League player at Pitt since Darelle Porter of Perry from 1987-1991, and only the third since Fifth Avenue great Sam Clancy departed in 1981.

“This is what I wanted,” Blair said. “I love pressure and being under pressure. That’s actually why I came to Pitt. I knew Aaron was leaving, and I knew I had a shot of starting. I got my start and ain’t going to let nobody take it. I’ve got to live up to the hype. That’s all it is. That’s why I came here.”

Sam Clancy has been helping in an informal way since coming back to Pitt to finally finish his degree. He has gotten close to Blair.

Clancy and Blair have developed a close relationship the past two years since Clancy came back to town. Clancy grew up with Blair’s grandparents, George and Donna Saddler, in the same Hill District neighborhood, and he played basketball with one of Blair’s uncles, Ricky Townsend.

Blair is a frequent visitor to Clancy’s home, where he is regaled with Pitt stories from yesteryear.

“We’re real close,” Blair said. “He’s a cool dude to be around. We have a lot in common.”

Not the least of which is playing the post with a smaller frame. Blair said picking Clancy’s brain about playing center at 6-7 has been helpful as he prepares for his first game tomorrow night against Houston Baptist.

“I ask him that every day, every chance I get to talk with him,” Blair said. “He gives me excellent pointers. We’re from the same background. We’re the same, I just came along a little later. It’s just lovely. He did it, so I think I can do it.”

No pressure, though.