New Cyclone Blake Hinson says Mississippi flag had impact on transfer decision

Mar 11, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Blake Hinson (0) dribbles against Georgia Bulldogs forward Rayshaun Hammonds (20) during the second half in the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, Iowa State added another potentially massive piece for its 2020-21 men’s basketball roster. Over the weekend, it became clearer why that piece could make an immediate impact.

Ole Miss transfer Blake Hinson told the Daytona Beach News-Journal that the Confederate flag symbol on the Mississippi state flag played a role in his decision to leave the school. The Mississippi legislature voted on Sunday to change the flag, but this seems likely to be the largest aspect of how Hinson will seek immediate eligibility despite being a traditional sit-out transfer.

“It was time to go and leave Ole Miss,” Hinson said in the interview. “I’m proud not to represent that flag anymore and to not be associated with anything representing the Confederacy.”

The news of the legislature taking action to change the flag concludes a week that saw athletes at both Power 5 colleges in the state call for a change, coaches from schools across the state descend on the capital to lobby for changing the flag and increasing public pressure to remove Confederate markings and monuments across the country.

The SEC and NCAA both announced previously they will not hold championship events in the state until the flag is changed.

Hinson averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season for the Rebels. He will be a junior in 2020-21.

For more on Hinson’s decision to join the Iowa State program, follow this link.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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