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Tennessee basketball: 3 graduate transfers Vols should make a run for

By Billy Williford

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 17: Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers gives celebrates after 84-64 win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the final of the SEC Basketball Championships at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 17: Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers gives celebrates after 84-64 win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the final of the SEC Basketball Championships at Bridgestone Arena on March 17, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 of the Virginia Tech Hokies drives with the ball against Hasahn French #11 of the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019, in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 of the Virginia Tech Hokies drives with the ball against Hasahn French #11 of the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019, in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

No.1 – Kerry Blackshear Jr.

PF, Virginia Tech Hokies

Finally, coming in the top spot of our rankings is Kerry Blackshear Jr. The big man from Virginia Tech is arguably the biggest name in the transfer portal, and for good reason. Last season the 6-foot-10 big man started all 35 games scoring 14.9 points per game in 29.9 minutes of action.

Blackshear shot over 50 percent from the floor, including 33.3 from deep which is impressive. Anytime a big man can stretch the floor by knocking down the outside jumper; the offense reaps the benefits of an open floor.

To end the season, Blackshear put together one of the best stretches of his career. In tournament play, which includes the ACC and NCAA, he scored 88 points in five games. Against Duke in a Sweet 16 matchup, Blackshear scored 18 points on 5-of-14 while adding 16 rebounds.

Blackshear hasn’t decided on the NBA or if he is returning to college for his final season. His name is in the NBA Draft, but he did not receive an invite to the NBA or G League combines. As far as colleges Blackshear could next season, the list is endless.

Next. Projecting Vols’ 2019 2-deep depth chart. dark

Tennessee is considered a darkhorse, but you have to think if Grant Williams doesn’t come back to school, the Vols chances on landing Blackshear are slim. In his final season, he wants to play for a winner which is why teams like Kentucky and Gonzaga are on his list.

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