He admits, there is no going back.

Blair signed a marketing and advertising contract with Cook, who will help Blair hire an NBA certified agent later in the process. But by signing a marketing and advertising contract with Cook, Blair is foregoing his final two years of eligibility to turn professional.

As for finding an agent, that will come in time.

“There’s no turning back,” said Blair, who started the news conference by sending his condolences to the three City of Pittsburgh police officers killed in Saturday’s shootings in Stanton Heights.

Blair said he hasn’t signed an agent, “but I will in the next couple weeks.”

“It was more something that I wanted to do more than money and making a big transition for me and my family. It was a real big decision but I had to do what was right for me. Nobody made the decision but me.”

I am naturally more cautious, so I would have preferred that he waited on ending his eligibility. Still, if he’s all-in, then why not. Blair does not seem the type to go halfway. This will give him a chance to really work on skills and with a trainer in the coming months.

Plus, DeJuan Blair actually has charm and enthusiasm that would give him a shot at some marketing opportunities, despite not being a can’t-miss NBA prospect.

I wish him the best.

Darelle Porter called it with the comment that when Blair has his mind made up about the draft, he’s in it to stay.

The press conference for DeJuan Blair is set for 4pm to make it official. Well, actually it seems just to make a statement and take a few questions.

Blair has retained Pittsburgh attorney James Cook, meaning he will forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility.

Cook announced today his representation of Blair in the process. Blair, though, has not decided on a certified NBA agent.

Blair is considered a mid-first round pick.

“DeJuan Blair is Pittsburgh through and through, from the junior program J.O.T.S through Schenley High School to the University of Pittsburgh,” Cook said in a news release.

“We are confident that he will make the city of Pittsburgh proud and enjoy a long NBA career.”

NCAA regs are so much fun. If Atty. Cook was merely an “advisor”  or “family friend,” Blair would not be forgoing his eligibility left. In other words, since the attorney is getting paid for his services, Blair is done. That’s right hire someone to better represent your interests and handle matters relating to the NBA draft, but not an actual agent and you still end your NCAA eligibility.

Well, good luck to DeJuan Blair. You were a fantastic player at Pitt and a great representative of the program and the school.

UPDATE (2:01): A couple people have pointed out the AP article that says Blair retains his eligibility. That would indicate that Atty. Cook is presently in the “advisory” role rather than formally retained. Honestly that makes more sense, even if I don’t think Blair will be back.

I’m not sure which is true at this point.

The press conference for Coach Jamie Dixon being named the Naismith Coach of the Year had some interesting tidbits about the players.

Dixon said Fields won’t participate in the Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational Tournament today through Saturday at Churchland High School because “the groin is still bothering him.”

Young declined the opportunity to participate in the showcase, opting to instead wait until the NBA pre-draft camp in late May at Tim Grover’s Attack Athletics training facility in Chicago.

“He felt that it was best that he not attend,” Dixon said. “He’s looking forward to opportunities in Chicago.”

Dixon said he’s trying to find a spot for senior forward Tyrell Biggs at the Portsmouth Invitational.

I’m a bit surprised that Young isn’t going to Portsmouth. It seems a late decision. It’s not uncommon to skip and since he seems to be a very strong contender to be taken before the end of the 1st round of the draft, the conventional advice is to not do anything to hurt the chances. Still, this seems like an abrupt move.

Seems that most of the questions at the presser was about DeJuan Blair (big shock).

The coach spent most of the rest of his time at the podium inside the Petersen Events Center talking about the draft prospects of his seniors and the decision that Blair has looming. Dixon said he had numerous meetings with Blair and his family the past few days discussing Blair’s intentions of declaring for the NBA draft, but he said Blair was not yet ready to announce his decision.

Darrelle Porter, family friend, former Pitt star, ex-Duquesne head coach and Blair’s old AAU coach is saying that Blair is in and won’t be back.

“I think DeJuan’s confident in his abilities and confident enough to put his name in, so he’ll probably stay in,” Porter said. “It’s hard to tell someone to come back and work on some things when he’s looking at a guaranteed contract. It’s been a goal of his for a long time.

“Now, he’s got a chance to reach his dream.”

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Dixon would end up spending most of the time at a press conference ostensibly about him receiving an award that he talked about his players. Dixon hardly has been comfortable talking himself up, most times. He often tries to put the credit at the players.

Just realized it’s after midnight.

Yeah, we all know it’s coming.

“You’ll know tomorrow,” Blair said. “That’s all I’m saying.”

Pitt coach Jamie Dixon met with Blair and his family Monday, but said today that Blair wasn’t ready to make an announcement. One source close to the Blair family, however, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Blair plans to announce his intentions at a Wednesday news conference.

The good news is that he won’t be hiring an agent.

Andy Katz at ESPN.com continues to pound the doubting angle.

A number of NBA personnel told ESPN.com they are skeptical about whether Blair can make the transition because he plays below the rim.

As much as I want him to stay, I have a hard time buying it. At the same time, it only reinforces why he has to look at going pro now. If the doubts and concerns are there and actually widespread, then coming back for another year gives them a chance to further pick him apart.

As far as Coach Jamie Dixon winning the Naismith Coach of they Year award, he deferred on taking much credit.

“It means we had a lot of good players,” Dixon said in a phone interview about the coaching award. “It’s a reflection of players individually and as a group … The players developed into better players than may thought (they) would become.”

According to ZagsBlog, Basketball Times put out its list of the top-100 coaches and assistants. Coach Dixon was ranked #12, and Tom Herrion was ranked #8 in assistants. There’s nothing on the BT website to see the whole list. It’s just a list, and seems more of a debate sparker than anything actually definitive.