10:03 pm | June 26, 2019 | Go to Source | Author: Robbie Andreu
Florida’s basketball team is receiving a big boost, literally, with the addition of Virginia Tech graduate transfer Kerry Blackshear Jr., who is considered the top graduate transfer in the nation.
The 6-foot-10 Blackshear is transferring to Florida, he announced via social media Wednesday night, and will be eligible this season.
“My next chapter will begin in Gainesville, Florida,” Blackshear wrote on his account.
Blackshear fills a big need for the Gators’ front court. As a junior this past season, he averaged 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game. He was a second team All-ACC selection.
Blackshear, who is from Orlando, chose the Gators over Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Arkansas. He would be the third Virginia Tech transfer to play for the Gators: Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Hudson.
“First of all want to thank coach Buzz (Williams) and the amazing staff over these past four years,” Blackshear wrote on his Instagram post. “This team has become my family and I am so thankful for it. I also want to thank my Blacksburg family for taking a young kid from Orlando and showing him what home is.”
Blackshear had entered his name in the NBA draft, but did not hire an agent and withdrew his name. Now, he’s going to continue, and end, his college career in Gainesville.
Blackshear joins a UF team that has several key returnees and an infusion of young talent with a top-10 recruiting class, headed by five-star prospect Scottie Lewis and fellow McDonald’s All-American Tre Mann.
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