A not-so-good update on Kentucky’s status with Kerry Blackshear

Virginia Tech big man Kerry Blackshear has entered his name into both the NBA Draft and the NCAA basketball transfer portal. As soon as his name went public, many started speculating about his destination because he is easily the best big man available on the transfer market.

It was not long before Blackshear’s name came up as a potential target for the Kentucky Wildcats. There have been multiple reports that the Kentucky coaching staff has reached out to Blackshear’s family, although his father has denied that any conversations have taken place.

As Kentucky’s front court could use some help for next season and Blackshear is the top guy available, it makes sense for Kentucky to make a run at signing him. But according to Evan Daniels of 247 Sports, the hype about this particular recruitment may be overblown.

“This Kerry Blackshear-Kentucky stuff seems to be media-driven more than anything,” Daniels told the Herald-Leader. “I just assume people are matching the two because Kentucky needs a big man and he’s the best available.”

It is certainly not the best news if Kentucky has no chance to land Blackshear, but Daniels’ thoughts on his actual landing spot is much worse.

Blackshear’s coach at Virginia Tech, Buzz Williams, is now at Texas A&M. Many, including Daniels, have speculated that Blackshear may look to follow. He would make a major impact for the Aggies immediately, but Texas A&M really is not in a great place to threaten for the SEC crown.

There is another SEC team with an outstanding incoming class that could be dangerous by adding Blackshear. Evan Daniels believes the Florida Gators are serious candidates to land him.

“I would say the two schools to beat early on are Texas A&M and Florida,” he said to the Herald-Leader. “I think Florida has a great sell with being close to home. And they have a major need at the (position) and they have the guard play returning and also enrolling with Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann.”

That would certainly be a lineup to take seriously, putting Florida back in the conversation as one of the top teams in the SEC.

Perhaps Kentucky is in contact with Blackshear’s family, and there is always a chance John Calipari can make some magic happen. But if he does not end up in Lexington, Big Blue Nation should be rooting for Texas A&M to sign him.

Read all of Evan Daniels’ interview with the Herald-Leader here.