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commercialappeal.com - Memphis, TN: Men's Basketball Home games in all caps; times are Central

- at Pittsburgh (Jimmy V. Classic at New York) - (ESPN) - 6 p.m.

Loyola University Chicago is a fine school in a fine city with lots of fine people. But best as Tyrelle Blair can tell, it's no place for a shotblocker to gain recognition.

That's the buzz word among most aspiring basketball players these days. So given the University of Memphis was on national television 17 times this past season, it should be no surprise Blair is considering transferring into John Calipari's program.

"Loyola just isn't the place for me because I need somewhere where I can get more exposure," he said. "I'm probably not going to average 20 points per game. But at a smaller school, that's what you've got to do to get noticed. So I want to go somewhere where the small stuff I do -- like blocking shots and going in and rebounding -- gets me noticed."

A 6-11, 220-pound center, Blair spent the weekend in Memphis growing familiar with the city and, possibly, his future teammates.

On Saturday, he played pick-up with the Tigers and fared well against Joey Dorsey, Simplice Njoya and the other big men. Then on Sunday, Blair returned to the Finch Center and worked out again, showing glimpses of promise that could benefit the program, specifically the ability to disrupt shots with his long, lanky frame.

Plus -- and this is from the U of M's standpoint-- there are not a whole lot of nearly 7-foot, skilled prospects on the market, not with the NBA eating them up in the spirit of potential. Consequently, Memphis is more than willing to take a look at Blair, despite modest averages of 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during his sophomore season at Loyola University Chicago in which he blocked 50 shots in 30 games.

"Tyrelle is still a little raw from playing at (a lower) level," said Memphis forward Waki Williams. "But with the help of Coach Cal and the rest of the coaching staff, he could really be a good player."

Blair is scheduled to return to Chicago this morning and probably won't make a decision on his future until next month.

Next weekend, the Tallahassee, Fla., native will visit West Virginia. He is also considering Boston College and Texas A&M.

No matter which school Blair chooses, he will have to sit out next season per NCAA transfer rules. He could first dress for the 2006-2007 campaign and would have two years of eligibility left.

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