Rice transfer Arsalan Kazemi to Oregon

Reported earlier in the week, Rice University transfer Arsalan Kazemi had the Kentucky Wildcats and the Oregon Ducks in his top-2 schools. Kazemi is a 6’7” power forward that is originally from Iran. Kazemi is heading into his senior season, and wanted to complete his degree at another program. Because the University of Kentucky had already started classes, many felt that Oregon would be the most attractive choice for Kazemi. Today, reports were finalized for Kazemi to join the Oregon Ducks over Kentucky. Because Kazemi is a transfer, he may have to sit out a year to become eligible. However, he has applied for a hardship waiver from the NCAA to allow him to play immediately.

No huge loss here for Kentucky. Kazemi would have definitely been a solid player and would have helped the Wildcats cure some depth issues. However, because Oregon has yet to start classes, the young man decided to pursue the rest of his collegian career with Oregon while keeping his degree in his sights. He may not even get the chance to play this year if the NCAA denies his waiver request. Good luck to Kazemi, unless UK plays Oregon of course.