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 | Class:
Senior
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| Hometown:
Wausau, Wis.
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| High School:
Wausau West
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| Height / Weight:
6-10 / 255
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| Position:
Center
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Freshman
28-game starter at the low post position for the Bulldogs. One of two Bulldogs (Newman is the other) to have played and started in every game.
Had a solid freshman campaign, leading the Dogs in rebounding, field-goal percentage and blocked shots. Was the no. 2 rebounder among all freshmen in the SEC.
Scored in double digits six times during the season. Got double-digit rebounds three times.
Scored a season-high 17 points in Georgia's pre-conference win over Gardner-Webb.
The first Georgia freshman to pull down 100 rebounds in a season since Jumaine Jones in 1998.
At the Bulldogs' post-season banquet, he was given the Leadership Award and the Academic Award as the team's top student.
Bliss' presence brings badly-needed size and strength to the frontcourt, where Georgia returns precious little from last season.
Size alone makes him a viable candidate for early playing time.
Noted in early workouts for his aggressive play and a penchant for a physical style of play.
Also praised for his smarts, both on and off the court.
Has grown nine inches since his 9th grade year.
High School (Wausau West):
Coach: Chris Schell
Valedictorian of the Wausau West graduating class of 2004.
Went virtually unnoticed by the national recruiting dragnet until a strong senior season.
Averaged 19.2 points and 14.1 rebounds during senior season, as West posted a 14-8 record.
Scored 863 career points and established eight Wausau West records.
Third-team all-state pick in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2004.
Also named MVP of the Wisconsin state prep All-Star game.
Personal:
Full Name: David John Bliss
Birthdate/Birthplace: April 28, 1986 in Wausau, Wis.
Parents: Joel and Kathy Bliss
Why I Chose UGA: It was an opportunity to pursue my dreams and get a free education.
Why I chose to wear #44: Because even if your number is in the 40s, you can still be fast.
Favorite sports other than basketball: Track, baseball, football, hockey.
Sport I'd most like to try: Lacrosse
Non-sporting activity I'd like to try: Play the guitar
Game-Day Superstition: Take a cold shower
Strongest academic subject: Mathematics
Favorite basketball players: Ray Allen, Shammond Williams
Favorite non-basketball pro athletes: Brett Favre, LaDanian Tomlinson
Goals in basketball this season: Just do whatever it takes to help the team win.
