5/15/2020 7:53:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball
#GRAD2BeARebelForever:Â Nick Blair
UNLV Men's Basketball
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No less than 65 UNLV current and former student-athletes would have been eligible to take part in the University's Spring Commencement ceremonies this week, including making that memorable walk across the stage inside the Thomas & Mack Center. COVID-19 had other ideas, of course, and the pomp and circumstance have been postponed for the Class of 2020. In their honor, each day this week UNLVRebels.com will tell the story of one member from our esteemed group of new grads.
Nick Blair always knew he would earn a college diploma. However, back when he embarked on his higher-education journey, it was doubtful that he saw it ending by receiving that degree from his hometown school of UNLV.
As Blair graduated high school as a standout from Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman, he headed north to the University of Idaho on a basketball scholarship where he was a member of the Vandals program as a freshman and sophomore from 2015-17.
Shortly thereafter, Blair received an opportunity that he just couldn't refuse -- to come back home and play for his beloved Runnin' Rebels. Because of NCAA transfer rules he had to sit out the 2017-18 season and even though he earned his way into significant playing time and was a solid contributor during his junior season, he did all of that as a walk-on.
"It was tough during those first two years back home in Las Vegas, being at UNLV without a scholarship," Blair said. "But I just kept my head down and focused on making sure I kept balance in my life, keeping things good and positive. I tried to be patient and worked as hard as I could. I was just hoping my persistence would eventually pay off."
All of the time, energy and focus Blair put into his academics and athletics, did indeed pay off as Runnin' Rebel Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger, who was hired just before Blair became a senior, saw something special in the 6-foot-5-inch forward and put him on full scholarship for his senior year.
"Nick is a man of tremendous character," Otzelberger said. "He trusted our plan from day one. We asked him to give his best every day on the court, in the classroom and in the community, and he embraced that challenge! I'm excited to follow his future successes and look forward to remaining in close communication with him."
Blair proved Otzelberger's decision was the right one as he appeared in all 32 of the Runnin' Rebels' games last season, making 20 starts. He ranked fourth on the team in total rebounds and made key contributions all season long. He also displayed leadership skills, helping hold his teammates accountable, and academically, spending extra time in study hall, eventually earning Dean's List honors.
Blair was supposed to walk across the stage at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday and be handed his sociology degree. He says at least 30 people were expected to be in attendance to celebrate one of his life's greatest accomplishments. Instead, his mom is planning a get-together when social distancing restrictions are relaxed.
"It is really disappointing to not be able to participate in a formal commencement ceremony," Blair said. "It is a one-time deal and it definitely hurts having it canceled. But when you look at the big picture, of course it is understandable and the priority is making sure that everyone stays healthy."
Blair says coming back home and finishing his college career at UNLV is very special to him.
'I grew up a big fan of the Runnin' Rebels," he said. "I remember going to games as a kid and how passionate the fans were for the program. To experience that first-hand was awesome and something I will never forget. It has really been rewarding to be able to achieve my goals of playing basketball and earning my degree in a place I grew up and around people that I love and appreciate."
He credits his coaches, professors and the men's basketball program's academic support counselor Connor Robinson for pushing him along his journey. Each played a key role in helping him build character and achieve his aspirations throughout his college experience.
"I am so proud of Nick for everything that he has accomplished since coming to UNLV," Robinson said. "From working his way up from a walk-on to a scholarship student-athlete, while also improving in his studies along the way, I've been lucky to be able to work with him and get to know him over the last few years. I'm excited to see what he does next."
Blair also gave a special mention to his girlfriend Katie Powell, who was a member of the UNLV women's basketball program for three seasons before graduating last year.
"She has been with me the whole way," Blair said. "And has definitely been my rock through all of the good and bad."
Throughout it all, Blair confidently says coming back home and to UNLV was one of the best decisions of his life.Â
What's next? He's looking forward to continuing his basketball career overseas. He has signed with an agent and once things settle down, will figure out where he will go.Â
One thing the UNLV community has learned about Nick Blair - don't count him out.
Â
UNLV Men's Basketball
Â
No less than 65 UNLV current and former student-athletes would have been eligible to take part in the University's Spring Commencement ceremonies this week, including making that memorable walk across the stage inside the Thomas & Mack Center. COVID-19 had other ideas, of course, and the pomp and circumstance have been postponed for the Class of 2020. In their honor, each day this week UNLVRebels.com will tell the story of one member from our esteemed group of new grads.
Nick Blair always knew he would earn a college diploma. However, back when he embarked on his higher-education journey, it was doubtful that he saw it ending by receiving that degree from his hometown school of UNLV.
As Blair graduated high school as a standout from Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman, he headed north to the University of Idaho on a basketball scholarship where he was a member of the Vandals program as a freshman and sophomore from 2015-17.
Shortly thereafter, Blair received an opportunity that he just couldn't refuse -- to come back home and play for his beloved Runnin' Rebels. Because of NCAA transfer rules he had to sit out the 2017-18 season and even though he earned his way into significant playing time and was a solid contributor during his junior season, he did all of that as a walk-on.
"It was tough during those first two years back home in Las Vegas, being at UNLV without a scholarship," Blair said. "But I just kept my head down and focused on making sure I kept balance in my life, keeping things good and positive. I tried to be patient and worked as hard as I could. I was just hoping my persistence would eventually pay off."
All of the time, energy and focus Blair put into his academics and athletics, did indeed pay off as Runnin' Rebel Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger, who was hired just before Blair became a senior, saw something special in the 6-foot-5-inch forward and put him on full scholarship for his senior year.
"Nick is a man of tremendous character," Otzelberger said. "He trusted our plan from day one. We asked him to give his best every day on the court, in the classroom and in the community, and he embraced that challenge! I'm excited to follow his future successes and look forward to remaining in close communication with him."
Blair proved Otzelberger's decision was the right one as he appeared in all 32 of the Runnin' Rebels' games last season, making 20 starts. He ranked fourth on the team in total rebounds and made key contributions all season long. He also displayed leadership skills, helping hold his teammates accountable, and academically, spending extra time in study hall, eventually earning Dean's List honors.
Blair was supposed to walk across the stage at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday and be handed his sociology degree. He says at least 30 people were expected to be in attendance to celebrate one of his life's greatest accomplishments. Instead, his mom is planning a get-together when social distancing restrictions are relaxed.
"It is really disappointing to not be able to participate in a formal commencement ceremony," Blair said. "It is a one-time deal and it definitely hurts having it canceled. But when you look at the big picture, of course it is understandable and the priority is making sure that everyone stays healthy."
Blair says coming back home and finishing his college career at UNLV is very special to him.
'I grew up a big fan of the Runnin' Rebels," he said. "I remember going to games as a kid and how passionate the fans were for the program. To experience that first-hand was awesome and something I will never forget. It has really been rewarding to be able to achieve my goals of playing basketball and earning my degree in a place I grew up and around people that I love and appreciate."
He credits his coaches, professors and the men's basketball program's academic support counselor Connor Robinson for pushing him along his journey. Each played a key role in helping him build character and achieve his aspirations throughout his college experience.
"I am so proud of Nick for everything that he has accomplished since coming to UNLV," Robinson said. "From working his way up from a walk-on to a scholarship student-athlete, while also improving in his studies along the way, I've been lucky to be able to work with him and get to know him over the last few years. I'm excited to see what he does next."
Blair also gave a special mention to his girlfriend Katie Powell, who was a member of the UNLV women's basketball program for three seasons before graduating last year.
"She has been with me the whole way," Blair said. "And has definitely been my rock through all of the good and bad."
Throughout it all, Blair confidently says coming back home and to UNLV was one of the best decisions of his life.Â
What's next? He's looking forward to continuing his basketball career overseas. He has signed with an agent and once things settle down, will figure out where he will go.Â
One thing the UNLV community has learned about Nick Blair - don't count him out.
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