Announcement of Contract Extension with Player Kerry Blackshear Jr. for the 2026-27 Season

Thank you always for your warm support of the Gunma Crane Thunders.

We are pleased to announce that the Gunma Crane Thunders have reached a basic agreement on a contract extension with #8 Kerry Blackshear Jr. for the B.League 2026-27 season.

#8 Kerry Blackshear Jr.

Position

PF/C

Date of Birth

January 28, 1997

Height (cm)

208 cm

Weight (kg)

116 kg

Alma Mater

Virginia Tech

Nationality

United States

Career History

2020-21 Hapoel Gilboa 2021-22 Galatasaray 2022-25 Hiroshima Dragonflies 2025- Gunma Crane Thunders

Comment from Blackshear:

"I’m excited to return to Gunma for another season.

When I first joined the club, I felt that Gunma was building something special, and it truly felt like the right place for me. Over the past season, I became even more convinced that this club is continuing to grow and move forward.

We took another step last season, but we know there is still more work to do. I’m grateful for the support from our fans, and I’m looking forward to competing alongside my teammates as we continue chasing a championship.

I'm truly happy to be able to play in Gunma again this season.

From the moment I joined, I felt that Gunma was building something special and that it was the perfect place for me. This past season only strengthened that belief.

Last season, we took a significant step forward. But to reach our ultimate goal, we must continue to grow.

I’m deeply grateful to our fans for their unwavering support. This season, I will fight alongside my teammates as we continue striving for a championship."