Tennessee basketball: Landing Kerry Blackshear Jr could be a possibility
Virginia Tech’s Kerry Blackshear is the biggest name in the transfer portal. He could be making his way to Tennessee to play for Rick Barnes and the Vols.
The transfer portal in college sports is like free agency in the professional ranks. More and more parents enter their name in the portal to change scenery. One name that has caught the attention of Rick Barnes and the Tennessee basketball coaching staff is former Virginia Tech Hokies big man, Kerry Blackshear.
A little over a week ago I wrote a post saying Rick Barnes should give Blackshear a look. Fast forward a week; it seems that Tennessee finds itself on the shortlist of potential destinations for one of the Hokies best players from a season ago.
In an article posted by Corey Evans of Rivals.com, Tennessee appears to be at play for Blackshear. Evans pointed out that John Calipari conducted an in-home visit with Blackshear’s family and there is talk with him playing closer to home down in Gainesville.
However, Evans listed Gonzaga, Michigan State, and Tennessee as dark horses that people can’t forget.
While there won’t be any commitment any time soon, as Blackshear is focusing on his goal of getting drafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, this recruitment is something to keep an eye on.
Blackshear would be a tremendous addition to the Vols next season, especially if Grant Williams decides to stay in the draft. And, if Williams comes back, the two could be the best frontcourt in the country.
The 6-foot-10 center is a great passer, arguably one of the best bigs in the nation finding open teammates. In the five tournament games last season, Blackshear scored over 15 points in each game. Against Duke in the Sweet Sixteen, Blackshear poured in 18 points with 16 rebounds.
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I don’t want to get anyone too excited because Tennessee is a dark horse, but you never know what could happen. If Rick Barnes could pull this transfer off, there might not be a drop off at all next season for the basketball squad.