Kentucky Basketball: Rice Star Arsalan Kazemi to Transfer, UK on List of Schools

Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports reported this evening that Rice forward Arsalan Kazemi will be transferring to another school for his senior season. He was granted a release by the university, meaning that he will be able to play immediately at whatever school he chooses to enroll.

Arsalan has listed the University of Kentucky as one of his desired destinations along with Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, Florida and Cincinnati. KHou.com reports that he may explore professional opportunities as well.

Arsalan averaged a double-double last season with 12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. This was actually a slight drop-off from his sophomore season, when he averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game. The 6'7" forward would be a very nice pickup for a Wildcats team that will once again be very young and inexperienced to start the season.

While Arsalan may not have the pure talent level of many of the Wildcats' excellent post players, his veteran experience could definitely help ease the team's learning curve (and a quality post player like Arsalan is someone that any school would be fortunate to have on their roster). 

His departure is also a huge blow for Rice, who just completed the best basketball season they've had in almost a decade. The Owls have had quite a few transfers this offseason, but the departure of Arsalan is by far the biggest blow to their program. 

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