Kerry Blackshear Jr. withdraws from NBA Draft, will transfer

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Virginia Tech redshirt junior forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will be the top available transfer on the market.

“After taking the time to weigh my options, I have decided to withdraw my name from the NBA Draft,” the 6-foot-10 Blackshear announced Wednesday night. “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. I look forward to continuing my education and earning a Master’s degree while competing in the sport that I love as I continue working toward my goal of playing professionally.”

Kentucky, Florida, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech are all in the mix for Blackshear Jr., who averaged 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Hokies and started all 35 games. The points and rebounds per game and games played were all career-high marks for Blackshear Jr.

Kentucky now has Nick Richards and E.J. Montgomery back in the fold, along with Bucknell transfer Nate Sestina, but could offer Blackshear Jr. the best platform to prepare for the NBA.

Florida is his hometown school. Texas A&M features his former coach, Buzz Williams, while Virginia Tech is where he spent the last three years.

Blackshear Jr. was named to the Second Team All-ACC squad and the NCAA East Region All-Tournament Team.

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