Updated Report: Kauri Black to transfer from Northeastern to UNH? 6’7” Forward would be eligible immediately.
May 2nd, 2012 by Sam PerkinsEditors Note: We are now hearing conflicting accounts from sources close to the situation, as to weather Black has indeed decided upon UNH or whether he is in fact heading elsewhere. One-Bid Wonders will continue to stay on top of the story as it develops. We are leaving up the following article, under the preface that Black may in fact be headed elsewhere.
Multiple sources trusted by One-Bid Wonders have reported that Kauri Black, a 6’7” guard/forward who played three seasons at former America East member Northeastern, will transfer to UNH for his final season of eligibility.
A native of Rialto, California, Black arrived at Northeastern with a lot of hype and seemingly a world of potential as a very long and athletic wing who could handle the rock and finish above the rim, while playing the two through four positions in the CAA.
But Black never seemed to tap his potential, battling injuries while averaging 4.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 21 minutes per game in 81 games over three seasons.
Black will graduate this year and it is being reported (but has not yet been confirmed) that he will be eligible immediately.
With the graduation of seniors Alvin Abreu and Brian Benson, the Wildcats have minutes to go around, and Black would appear in line to get every opportunity to replace Benson’s front court athleticism and some of Abreu’s offensive touches.
Despite his pedestrian play on Huntington Ave, Black’s talent remains at the upper-end of America East standards, whether he can harness it in one season in the AE after three lackluster years in the CAA is the question.
The signing of a one-year transfer may also signal a heightened sense of urgency in Durham for the UNH and head coach Bill Herrion.
Viewed as the savior of Wildcats men’s basketball during most of his tenure, the seven-year head coach – who has the most America East tournament wins in America East history – immediately raised the profile of the Wildcats men’s program after his hiring in 2005.
Herrion’s 2007 recruiting class – which included Abreu, Dane DiLiegro and Tyrone Conley – was one of the most talented in recent UNH history, and elevated the Wildcats from the America East basement to the middle of the pack.
However, after initial success, the Wildcats appear to have reached a plateau (and even begun to backslide) recently, and the recruitment of a one-and-done transfer may signal a “win now” mentality for Herrion, who has come under increased fire from local boosters and fans as of late, and whose contract is up after the 2013-2014 season.