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If the Kentucky Wildcats want to cast a wider net when it comes to addressing the frontcourt for next season, Marcus Santos-Silva is a name they need to look into.
On Monday, Santos-Silva decided to leave VCU and transfer to another school. He instantly became one of the top transfers to hit the market, and he may be someone for John Calipari to take a hard look at. Jeff Goodman of Watch Stadium ranks him ninth among gad transfers.
The 6-7 junior forward was one of the top players in the Atlantic-10 last season, averaging 12.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He ranked second in the conference in field-goal percentage (56.9%), first in total rebounding percentage (18.5%), first in wins shares per 40 minutes (24.7%), and first in defensive rating (85.1), all elite statistics for a college big man. What he lacks in size he makes up for with intensity and relentless energy that few can match (he’s got some Chuck Hayes to him).
And wouldn’t you know it, MSS has already followed UK’s men’s basketball account on Twitter.
VCU’s very productive, 6-7, 250-pound big man is on the move. And following some interesting accounts. pic.twitter.com/s4WIOMn959
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) April 21, 2020
Santos-Silva logged a team-high 10 double-doubles this season, including 26 points and 12 rebounds at George Mason on Jan. 5. He averaged 12.8 points and 8.9 rebounds this season, both career highs.
In terms of major competition, Santos-Silva went for 17 points, 11 boards, two blocks and four steals in a win vs. LSU. He went for 22 points, 11 boards, two steals and one block in a narrow loss to Tennessee.
OH MY GOSH MARCUS SANTOS-SILVA! THAT POOR MAN HAS A FAMILY!#SCTop10 #ThisIsRamNation #LetsGoVCU pic.twitter.com/QWOYRRwm6z
— VCU Basketball (@VCU_Hoops) February 14, 2019
In two matchups with Dayton and National Player of the Year Obi Toppin, Santos-Silva went for 12 points, nine boards and two blocks, then went for 12 points, 17 boards and one block.
With that kind of production against major competition — some of which Kentucky will face next season — Santos-Silva looks like someone Kentucky should look into and consider for next season.
And whatever you do, do not let his 250-pound frame fool you into thinking he’s out of shape. He actually moves very well for a big man his size.
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