Transfer confirmed: Hiroshima Dragonflies to Gunma Crane Thunders
Hiroshima Dragonflies big man Kerry Blackshear Jr. (28, 2.08 m) will join the Gunma Crane Thunders in the 2024 off‑season. Blackshear finished the 2023‑24 season as the team’s second‑leading scorer, averaging 15.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game, and ranked 6th in league efficiency (23.2 EFF).\n\n## Why is Blackshear’s move a headline?\nBlackshear arrived in Hiroshima in 2022 after stints with Hapoel Gilboa Galil and Galatasaray Istanbul, bringing a European‑style post game. In 2023‑24 he logged 12 double‑doubles and nearly posted a triple‑double against Shimane Susanoo Magic (13 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists). Those numbers cement his status as one of the B.League’s most efficient interior players.\n\n## Gunma Crane Thunders’ current picture and expectations\nGunma finished the 2024‑25 campaign 39‑21, bowing out in the quarter‑finals. The frontcourt featured EuroLeague veterans Johannes Thiemann and Kaleb Tarczewski, and Blackshear’s arrival adds another 2‑meter presence. Sources also say shot‑blocker AJ Edu will sign, giving the Thunders a formidable paint defense.\n\n## Outlook and impact on Hiroshima Dragonflies\nBlackshear’s departure leaves a sizable void for Hiroshima, but it also opens minutes for younger Japanese talent. The club is expected to pursue new signings and reshuffle its rotation ahead of the 2025 season. Fans will watch closely to see how Blackshear adapts to Gunma’s system while hoping the Dragonflies can replace his production.\n\nKey stats: Blackshear appeared in 55 games, posted 12 double‑doubles and ranked 6th in efficiency (23.2 EFF). Gunma posted a 39‑21 record and reached the quarter‑finals last season, signaling a strong platform for the upcoming campaign.