:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63361483/932933880.jpg.0.jpg)
For the second straight year, Kentucky has landed a big graduate transfer, figuratively and literally.
After landing Stanford forward Reid Travis last year, the Wildcats scored a pledge from graduate transfer Nate Sestina this week. A 6-9 big man who can stretch the court with his offensive skill set, Sestina is a big addition to a frontcourt that will lose PJ Washington and Reid Travis this offseason. Keldon Johnson, who played the 4 a lot down the stretch, is also likely heading to the NBA, so Sestina will have a major role next season.
Once the Bucknell Bison forward committed to John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats Thursday afternoon, the Big Blue Nation took to social media to revel in the news and to welcome aboard the newest member of the family:
It’s been an amazing ride from Emporium to Bucknell and everywhere in between, and it’s surreal to think my college basketball career isn’t over yet.
— Nate Sestina (@NateSestina23) April 4, 2019
I’m humbled to get started with @KentuckyMBB! Need to thank God, my family, my coaches, teammates and @UKCoachCalipari #BBN pic.twitter.com/JS3ZKqIS4e
#DreamBIG #WhoWantsToBeNext pic.twitter.com/6qMWEWLnXn
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 4, 2019
Bucknell transfer Nate Sestina is headed to Kentucky. One of the best graduate transfers on the market. Averaged 15.8 PPG this past season.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) April 4, 2019
I’ve watched Nate Sestina highlights the last few days. He’s solid and his footwork is excellent. He didn’t immediately play when he arrived at Bucknell but he worked to be in position to finish his career at a place like UK. Didn’t start until his senior season at Bucknell.
— Shawn Smith (@gbbcountry) April 4, 2019
Bucknell grad transfer Nate Sestina announces his commitment to Kentucky. 15.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 38.0 3PT%. https://t.co/b38RySQlZp
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 4, 2019
I think the addition of Sestina is as much for shooting as it is big man depth....shoots nearly 40% from 3 and that is a focus for next season
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 4, 2019
Good addition in my view
Can the guy that calls Bucknell’s games, transfer with Nate Sestina as well? pic.twitter.com/UNjVLwToo2
— KY Clips™️ (@KY_Clips) April 4, 2019
I never thought I’d live in a world in which John Calipari and Kentucky would be happy about getting grad transfers from Bucknell.
— Carron J. Phillips (@carronJphillips) April 5, 2019
And that’s no shade to Bucknell’s program or Nate Sestina.
Just never saw that ever happening.
Nate Sestina joins the Kentucky basketball team and critics are already tweeting, “Another one and done for Coach Cal.”
— Chas Welte (@ChasWelte) April 4, 2019
I guess playing basketball for four years as an undergraduate doesn’t matter.
Nate Sestina shot 38% from three last year pic.twitter.com/5f3FlYeC95
— CITRUS BOWL CHAMPS (@swilson502) April 4, 2019
Best stat I’ve seen on Nate Sestina
— Big Daddy Burke (@SirTweets_Alot) April 4, 2019
81% from the FT line
***googles Nate Sestina*** pic.twitter.com/yn1uDcxIoN
— Joe Hollenbach (@JoeHollenbach) April 4, 2019
Nate Sestina seems to be Josh Harrelson but a bit more skilled.
— Colin’s Dad (@MRudolphComedy) April 5, 2019
Great day to be a WILDCAT!! Can’t wait to get to work @NateSestina23
— THE DRAGON (@KahlilWhitney) April 4, 2019
Yessir!! Can’t wait bro
— Nate Sestina (@NateSestina23) April 4, 2019
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) April 4, 2019
A Sea of Blue comes loaded with the best Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other fun stuff, so be sure to go ‘like’ our Facebook page and then go follow us on Twitter.