From the Lexington Herald:  Jasper to leave Kentucky

Kentucky basketball made it official on Saturday: Guard Derrick Jasper will transfer.

The news was no surprise. In early May, UK Coach Billy Gillispie said he expected Jasper to leave. Gillispie cited homesickness as the reason.

In making the transfer official, Kentucky noted Jasper's desire to continue his college career closer to his Paso Robles, Calif., home.

The UK release did not mention Jasper's destination. Speculation has focused on such schools as California, which is starting anew with first-year coach Mike Montgomery next season, UNLV and UCLA. 

Jasper could not be reached for comment. 

Jasper's departure removes the most experienced, most accomplished candidate to be Kentucky's point guard next season.

To fill that void, UK would appear to be looking at incoming freshman DeAndre Liggins, who has yet to gain academic eligibility, junior college transfer Kevin Galloway and junior-to-be (and career backup) Michael Porter. 

When asked in early May how Jasper's departure would affect UK next season, Gillispie noted the constant need to adjust. ”Our wheels are always in motion,“ he said.

The wheel-turning reportedly included an attempt by Gillispie to persuade Jasper to stay. 

Pickings are slim among unsigned high school seniors who could join UK's team next season. One possibility is Hunter McClintock, a 6-foot-2 player from Durham, N.C. A highlight video on YouTube has made McClintock appear to be Pete Maravich reincarnate.

But recruiting analysts judge McClintock as a mid-major prospect. Analyst Bob Gibbons of All Star Sports said McClintock was a prospect for the Southern Conference or Colonial Athletic Conference.

Jasper was quoted in the UK news release as saying his transfer should not be seen as reflecting unhappiness with his two seasons as a Wildcat.

Jasper had a turbulent two seasons for Kentucky that included a coaching change and microfracture knee surgery.

”The decision to transfer is in no way an indication of my experience playing for UK,“ Jasper said in the release. ”I feel at this point in my life, it is important for me to be close to my family, and I intend to transfer to a school closer to the west coast where I can see my family more often, and they can see me play.

”It was not an easy decision for me to make, since the fans have been so wonderful and very supportive of my teammates and me. I want to thank Coach Gillispie and the entire UK coaching staff for their guidance and support they have given me these past two years. I have grown a tremendous amount as a basketball player, and most importantly a person and feel it is largely due to the people involved with the UK basketball program.“

Jasper played in 20 games for the Wildcats this season after missing the first 10 games of the year while recovering from microfracture knee surgery. He averaged 4.2 ppg and 5.5 rpg.

As a freshman, Jasper started 27 games and won the point guard job while averaging 3.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg.

But statistics did not tell the full story of Jasper's contributions. He also provided a floor presence, decision-making and much-needed ability to pass into the low post.

Gillispie noted those intangibles when Jasper played well against Florida International. ”Derrick, in my opinion, was the most dominant player in the game,“ the UK coach said at the time, ”and he took one shot.“

Now, Kentucky must carry on without Jasper.

”It's a disappointment to lose Derrick, who was fantastic for us both as a person and a basketball player,“ Gillispie said in the news release. ”He had to battle through some injuries, but he was always willing to sacrifice for the good of the team.

”I appreciate that Derrick was patient and took his time to make certain that this decision was what he felt was best for his future. We wish him all the best. Where ever he decides to attend will be getting an outstanding player who takes his academics very seriously.“