Florida basketball: Questions abound on Kerry Blackshear

While a decision is expected in the coming weeks on where the graduate student will play, Florida basketball remains high on the list.

There could be four, five or even six schools in the mix for Virginia Tech big man Kerry Blackshear as he ponders what to do next season.

Blackshear announced he was not entering the NBA Draft, but still wanted to play another year of college basketball.

Florida basketball began to lick its proverbial chops.

And for good reason.

Florida Gators

Last season, Blackshear averaged 14.9 points per game and 7.5 rebounds for the Hokies, but for some reason, he decided the either the NBA wasn’t ready for him, or vice-versa.

Whatever the case may be, the sweepstakes for Blackshear began almost immediately. In fact, in the week or so since deciding to not go to the NBA, Blackshear has already visited Florida basketball and Arkansas.

According to Gator Country, Blackshear is planning trips to Tennessee and Kentucky in the next week or so. But, a decision could be close as it is rumored that Blackshear is growing a bit tired of the recruiting process, and that is even before his visits to the Volunteers and Wildcats.

Which could bode well for the Gators as they attempt to land a true big man in the middle so as not to rely on such a guard-heavy rotation next season.

Rival’s basketball recruiting writer Corey Evans seemed to suggest the same thing:

“Blackshear told Rivals.com over the weekend that he is getting a bit worn out by the process and wants to get to his decision. However, he will take an official visit to Tennessee on June 14, and two others could be in the works for Kentucky and Texas A&M. I am not confident that he will get to College Station, but I do like the chances that he will visit Lexington shortly after his trip to Knoxville.”

While I have already discussed why this would be a good move for the Gators, here’s why it would be good for Blackshear:

• You could feature, or you could not: The point is that while Blackshear would be nearly an immediate starter, it doesn’t mean he would have to play every minute. Keyontae Johnson could be repurposed again in the middle, or incoming freshman Omar Payne and transfer Anthony Duriji could take some of the load off.
• Playing for a winner with March expectations: Last season, Florida basketball went 20-16 overall and 9-9 in the Southeastern Conference. Oh, did I mention a deep run in the SEC tournament followed by a first-round upset of Nevada in the NCAA tourney. It may not be stellar numbers every year, but we can’t all be Duke, can we?
• Got some game back: Hey, Andrew Nembhard is coming back … did you miss that?
• A chance to lead … if you want to: The Gators will be very young next season with just three juniors and not a senior in the lot. Blackshear could prove his mentoring skills, but Florida basketball has just enough experience to where his tutelage wouldn’t be a crutch.

I won’t speak ill of the other programs Blackshear is considering because there will be plenty of time for that later. For now, I think Florida basketball ticks off all the boxes for what a player like Blackshear would be looking for.

We anxiously await his decision.