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Florida basketball could benefit from Blackshear decision

By Matthew Clark

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots the ball against Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots the ball against Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Earlier this week, Virginia Tech frontcourt star Kerry Blackshear took his name out of the NBA Draft. That could provide a big boost for the Florida basketball team.

Last season, Kerry Blackshear went on a tear for Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Blackshear averaged 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for Virginia Tech.

Initially, Blackshear intended on entering the NBA Draft, however, earlier this week, he announced his decision to take his name out of the draft. That means he could immediately transfer from Virginia Tech and take his talents elsewhere.

"“After taking the time to weigh my options, I have decided to withdraw my name from the NBA Draft,” he said on Instagram. “I am still evaluating my options for my last year of eligibility and feel extremely fortunate to be in the position that I am in.”"

He added he was looking forward to “earning a Master’s degree while competing in the sport that I love …”

According to 247Sports, the Florida Gators reached out to Blackshear after he entered the NCAA transfer portal, but Blackshear elected to initially enter the NBA Draft.

Now, the door has been re-opened for the Gators to pick up a solid forward for a team that lacked one last season. The Gators did utilize Keyontae Johnson last year as a power forward and the Norfolk, Virginia sophomore averaged a little more than eight points and six rebounds per game, according to 247Sports.

The report also said that the Gators have brought in Omar Payne, a top 50 power forward, for the 2019-20 season. They will also have Nigeria-born Jason Jitoboh at center and Louisiana Tech transfer forward Anthony Duruji.

In his two seasons at Louisiana Tech, Duruji averaged 9.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game and was the 2018 Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Last season, Duruji averaged 12.2 points per game for the Bulldogs.

If Florida could get Blackshear, even for just a season, it would be a solid pickup and allow the Gators to have frontcourt options they didn’t have last season.

dark. Next. Florida basketball aims to strengthen 2019 class

Florida basketball has also been helped by the decision from Andrew Nembhard to take his name out of the NBA Draft and return to Florida for another season.

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