CHICAGO — Coming out of Morgan Park High School as a McDonald's All-American, Wayne Blackshear didn't expect to still be at the University of Louisville a few days prior to his 23rd birthday. Many thought he'd leave school early and be in the NBA by now.
But Blackshear, who in May will become the first person in his family to earn a college degree, is quite glad he stayed.
"I'm glad I'm getting my education," said Blackshear, who on Thursday was one of five student-athletes named to the Capital One District 2 Academic All-District men's basketball first team for the second consecutive year.
"It's great considering coming out of high school I was having trouble with grades," Blackshear, who has a 3.4 grade point average as a communications major, told DNAinfo on Friday morning. "My sisters [Laquisha and Janeisha], my mom [Carol Blackshear] and dad [Kevin Thomas] are really proud of me."
Justin Breen details Blackshear's journey:
Blackshear turns 23 on Feb. 11, when No. 9 Louisville hosts Pitt. The 19-4 Cardinals lost 52-47 at No. 3 Virginia (21-1) on Saturday.
Blackshear says he's used to playing in big games at this point, especially after reaching the Final Four as a freshman and sophomore — winning the national championship that second season — and claiming two Big East titles.
Blackshear, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward, has started all 23 games this year, averaging 11 points per game — fourth best on the team — and 4.8 rebounds. They're not exactly dominating numbers, but Blackshear's high school coach, Nick Irvin, believes the former Morgan Park star will be a superior player at the next level.
"He's going to be a better NBA player than a college player," said Irvin.
Irvin also compared Blackshear, who averaged 32.6 points and 14.6 rebounds as a prep senior, to current Morgan Park star Marcus Lovett in terms of intangibles.
"They play both ends of the floor, and they're both humble kids," Irvin said. "They know what it takes to win."
Blackshear credited Irvin and his mother, who sits near the Cardinals' bench for most of their games, for his humility and his drive on and off the court.
"Coach Irvin, I love him to death," Blackshear said. "He's a very big part of my life. I always call him, and he always calls me to check up on things.
"And my mom has always kept me level-headed and grounded. She told me I haven't made it yet, and to keep grinding to stay on top of everything."
Blackshear doesn't have a Facebook account. He said he tried using Twitter in high school, but gave it up after three days. He has an Instagram account, but he said for the most part — unlike so many current standout athletes — "I don't do social media."
"I can't get into it," he said. "I'm a real personal person. I don't think I want everyone in my life, random people, every second."
Blackshear said he hasn't thought about the June 25 NBA draft, other than he hopes he's picked. His priorities are winning another conference and national title and acquiring his degree.
"I've really set my mind to school work, and I'm doing great in it," he said.
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