Last month I wrote an article for Bleacher Report bemoaning how DeJuan Blair and Sam Young fell out of the first round in the draft. I openly wondered how this would affect Pittsburgh, a program that measures up to the big boys from November through February. However, it doesn't have the resume in March or June that all of the other big-time programs have.

This is the reason why it's nice to see Blair and Young sign deals.

Blair was the first to sign when he inked a three-year deal with the Spurs last week. His $4 million deal guarantees three years and $3 million, which is the same kind of contract given to late first-round picks. It's great to see the Spurs making Blair a priority.

According to his Agent Happy Walters:

"He ended up with a great team and they really wanted to develop him. They wanted to show a commitment to him. He's just happy to be playing basketball and now he's able to take care of his family."

Blair's journey from Hill District poverty to college stardom has been well documented. It's so great to see such a good kid who has done so much for the Panthers and the city of Pittsburgh get rewarded for his hard work.

A week later, it was Sam's turn to get paid.

These two deals come in addition to a two-year deal Levance Fields signed in Russia that will pay him more than the NBA minimum. Levance is allowed to opt out of the deal after one year if an offer to play in the NBA comes his way.

I still contend that this team needs to make a final four and have a player drafted in the lottery in order to be mentioned in the same breath as Louisville, Syracuse and UConn. However, this is definitely progress.

Both Young and Blair are going to have a chance to come off the bench and contribute to their teams. In Blair's case, he will be coming off the bench for a playoff team.

If Sam and DeJuan go on to make their mark in the league, it will only enhance the credibility of the program. This is just another step in the process of transitioning from a power in the northeast to a national power.