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Virginia Tech Hokies grad transfer Kerry Blackshear has decided to withdraw from the 2019 NBA Draft. He made the announcement on Instagram:
Blackshear announced on April 16 that he would be entering his name into the NBA Draft, as well as the NCAA Transfer Portal as a graduate transfer.
The Kentucky Wildcats, as well as a host of other schools, quickly became involved. Blackshear was seemingly the one missing piece for next year’s squad. The Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies were also mentioned as possible landing spots.
Blackshear has one more year to play and would be immediately eligible wherever he lands. He was highly sought after as he dominated ACC play last season for the Hokies.
The 6-10, 250-pound center averaged 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a junior.
Last year, Reid Travis was the best grad transfer in recent memory, as he was a former McDonald’s All-American who was First Team All-Pac 12. B
Blackshear, on the other hand, was just on another level. As good as Travis was for the Cats last season, Blackshear is even better. That’s why it’s so big that Blackshear is returning to school.
I probably would have taken a grad transfer Blackshear over any recruit in the 2019 class. He’s proven himself in the best conference in basketball.
Kentucky was able to keep EJ Montgomery and Nick Richards while adding Bucknell grad transfer Nate Sestina, but they really could use another big man. Still, it’s hard to see them still being a viable spot for Blackshear, but never say never.
Expect Florida and Texas A&M to be strong contenders for his services, so there’s a real chace Kentucky ends up facing him next season.
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