Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
It has now been “reported” on The Cats Pause that Derrick Jasper has been considering a transfer this spring and could end up going back to California this year. Some people close to the Kentucky basketball team have been spreading this story around for the past couple of weeks (for reasons I cannot understand). Here is what I think has developed since then. Approximately two weeks ago, Derrick approached folks at UK about a possible transfer and may have even looked into it. According to the folks I have spoken with, that consideration has been already dismissed and Derrick is coming back next year. As with everything, that is of course subject to change, but those who I believe would know tell me that the story that is now breaking actually was taken care of last week.
UPDATE: Just got a call that said that more has happened since my conversation (around 4 pm) yesterday afternoon. Was told that it would be prudent (thank you George Bush) to “hold off on saying anything definite.”
As always, we will see….
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April 16th, 2008 at 10:01 am
first, this would be terrible
April 16th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I heard he has a hot girlfriend on the Dance Team, he is not going anywhere.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:03 am
would it open up his Scholarship for this spring? so we could possibly get Majok, Harrelson, and Patillo?
April 16th, 2008 at 10:03 am
2.
Kentucky’s women are its greatest resource.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:04 am
3, would you rather have an unproven guy like one of those three instead of Jasper?
April 16th, 2008 at 10:09 am
4) Without a doubt, I agree, the prettiest girls in the world. I will paraphrase this quote a little from Dazed and Confused, That’s what I love about College girls, I keep getting older, and they stay the same age.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:09 am
#4 I thought pot was KY’s #1 resource lol. It’s our #1 cash crop
April 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Curious how Witherspoon and UK never materialized? Now we may be playing against him.
from gator country:
“The $64,000 question with the Florida Gators centers around Wesley Witherspoon (6-7, 195, Lilburn, GA Berkmar), who is much more than a blip on the Florida radar. He’s been talking to the Florida coaching staff several times a week for the past few weeks and hosted a very successful in-home visit with the Florida coaches last week. Do the Gators add Witherspoon to the 2008 recruiting class or do they pass and hold that scholarship for 2009, which has some outstanding kids who are seriously considering UF?
April 16th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I dont think people realize how bad this would hurt. I look for jasper to be a 10 5 and 5 next year, and he is a really good defender who provides many mismatches on both ends of the floor.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:21 am
9, I agree. He is the guy that really does “make his teammates better”. If basketball did +/- ratings, HJasper had to have lead the team last year.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am
He’s a great defender and rebounder, but needs to learn how to drive and put the ball in the basket. I couldn’t see him getting 10 ppg next year but it would be a terrible lose if he goes. He would be one of our more experienced players next year.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
10.) Without a doubt. One thing I am looking foward to is him penetrating and dishing to PPAT. He loves to take his man to the hole to force help and dish it. We did not get to see it much last year because he did not play as freely with PPAT in there. When PP when down he kinda came out of his shell, and I look for him to do the same thing all of next year with joe and ramel leaving and him taking the team leader role at pg.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Seriously? I wonder what he is frustrated with?
He played 40 minutes, when he was healthy. He doesn’t seemed to concern with getting his shots up….
April 16th, 2008 at 10:28 am
#11, you realize he could not jump off his league last year, right? Give the guy a break.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I hope he is staying, he is one of my favorites!
April 16th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Coming off a very dangerous knee surgery and being put in a position
to have to play down low immediately (undersized) would make a bunch
of kids feel underappreciated.
Hopefully his dues have been paid and he can run the point in 2008.
This would be devastating.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:31 am
We played some aweful basketball when Ramel and Joe was in and jasper wasnt. We cannot aford to lose Jasper he makes everything mesh. Jasper please stay and help BCG get UK back to the top again. GO CATS
April 16th, 2008 at 10:31 am
13.) I think he is frustrated overrall. You guys have to realize that he was a highly touted recruit coming out, and many thought he would be a great college guard and a future draft pick. He has had to come in and find his position, and though he is built like a foward, I think we can all agree that he has a point mentality and will excel at pg. Next year will be his first real year at point, he played the 3 last year, and he was pretty green his freshman year before he lost the job to ramel.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:32 am
#16 well said and very correct.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:34 am
If he leaves we won’t go to the tourney. Its that simple. Hes’ more important to the 09 team than anyone else other than P Pat.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:38 am
14)I realize that. But he still has to use his size to his advantage. He seemed to be jumping
okay when he was rebounding. I’m a Jasper fan, but you can’t play 40 minutes and not score a point.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Is there any chance we can get Jasper out to Keeneland today? Sunny days at Keeneland always get me in a better mood.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Agree 9/10. Jasper does all the so called little things that make a team better. Coaches appreciate these type players but fans often undervalue them. I recall BG mentioning that about Jasper numerous times once he returned. If he doesn’t come abck and play through the pain, UK is looking at a losing season and lots of negative energy towards the team and coach.
I view his contributions similar to those of Chuck Hayes, the kind that you don’t always appreciate until they are gone. I believe when he is 100% he will be able to take the ball to the hoop. The hardest part with knee injury/pain is the jump stop and the plant with a hard cut. The other issue about taking it to the hoop is you have to have the confidence that you can step to the line and hit the foul shots. Based on his hard work on improving his 3 pt shooting last summer I would expect he will improve his FT % this summer.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Kentucky needs Jasper and Jasper needs Kentucky
April 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am
#20 lol what a joke. I want him to stay because I think he’s going to contribute a lot, but that statement was flat out insane. We have 2 players coming in that would replace him if he left and we’ll be in the tourny with or without Jasper.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:42 am
This is terrible. Even the talk of transfer is terrible.
Am I the only one with a love-hate relationship with BCG and staff?
April 16th, 2008 at 10:43 am
#14 I can’t jump off my League either, but that’s probably cuz I don’t have a league
April 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
#25 is about the first person to mention this, and I’m sure it’s why he’s thinking about leaving.
Guys, he’s being “recruited over.” We’ve got two guys (Galloway and Liggins) who are his size and play his position coming in this year, and I’m sure he looks up and sees that despite the fact he sacrificed a ton last year, he probably won’t get near the chance to showcase what he can do this upcoming year as he did when he returned last year. Not only that, but we’re trying to land McCoy too. I can’t blame him for exploring his options. If he feels he has a better chance of getting to the NBA by heading to Cali and finding his niche, who’s to say “don’t go?” Kids go to college to prepare for their career, and if he feels this is the best way to get PT and make it to the NBA, more power to him. He’s already given a HELL OF A LOT to UK and the program, and I wish him well if he chooses to leave. No hard feelings here.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:48 am
We need Jasper. He is the one who helped us get back in it. Once he came back, the cats started playing ball. Why would he want to transfer? He will be starting at PG and could play 30-35 minutes a game. It makes no sense. I hope he stays.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Matt’s update makes me think nothing good is going to come from this.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Lossing Jasper would hurt more than lossing Ramel and Joe. Ramel and Joe can be replaced by guys like Meeks and more athletic depth and talent.
Lets not forget that Jasper wasn’t even close to 80% all season. Yet he is one of our best defenders, rebounders, and does all the little things that make us a better team. Plus is scoring has got better eventhough he was battling a bad knee all year.
Lossing our PG with that much experience would be hard to replace.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Why couldn’t this story be about Porter instead of Jasper?
April 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am
#29 He’ll have to stop turning the ball over so much if he wants to run the point and he’ll have to become more of an offensive threat if he wants to start at the small forward spot.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
should’ve been you, Porter.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am
26- can we at least wait until the roster is set for next season before we start hating the staff?
Beside that, if we win 25 games next year, will it really matter who transfered or which jucos we signed?
April 16th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I remember a LOT of people on this very site wishing to see both Jasper and Porter transfer last
year to make room for all of these 5* guys Billy G will be bringing in….well guess what?
It could end up biting us in the A$$!
Please be careful what you type about players, many of them read these very sites on a regular
basis…not sure how many times you have to be told…
April 16th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Man, I really hope Jasper doesn’t leave. BCG said many times the difference between the beginning of the year and SEC play was Derrick Jasper. A healthy Jasper is key to next season. He never once played at 100% and toward the end of the year was getting to the basket much better.
Saying he’s being “recruited over” is absurd. One kid is a Fr and the other will still be his first year in BCG’s system. Plus, you need guys that are interchangeable. You can’t just have 5 guys on a team and it seems that adding any more than that automatically means someone is being recruited over in your minds.
Please stay, Derrick.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:12 am
You’re absurd.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:15 am
DJ, whether you go or stay…practice your shot and FTs.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I just wish it was Porter and not Jasper.
Porter, I know you wanna go back to Cali and play for Pete Carrol at USC
April 16th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I remember some wondering where all the scholarships were coming from for 08 & 09
Well - some of Tubby’s players may not survive Coach BCG thus he’s out recruiting his players.
This is not unusual nor the end of days - it’s just UK Basketball and it will survive
April 16th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Jasper - Please stay!……………Just think of this combination…………senior meeks, senior jasper, junior Ppat………..talk about going places……..the NBA will be watching then I promise!!
April 16th, 2008 at 11:34 am
37.) The other kid being brought in is a junior, and you dont bring in juniors from juco to set the bench. He was def. recruited over, get over this BCG does no wrong stuff. The only thing that could happen would be for Galloway to play three and be good at it, but what happens to miller, liggins, pattillo/flemings, who are all the same height and play the 3?? Liggins Jasper and Galloway are all point fowards, now if you were Jasper and put in your time and had played so well, then what would you think? The three players that we have signed this year are all potential replacements of Jasper at the one or three he has every right to be upset.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I wish UK fans would stop talking trash about ANY of the players. Why UK fans feel the constant need to express there opinions on who they think is no good or how the program should be run is beyond me. YOU don’t have an effect on the program and you shouldn’t. LET OUR COACH handle it. Your job is to cheer on the team. To lift the guys up. If ALL of our fanbase acted the way we should- then this program would be unstoppable. Recruits talk about the scrutiny you get here. They see the way you talk about your supposed beloved team and players. If you morons would learn this and just decide to keep your mouth shut, instead of thinking the world wants to hear your BS, then maybe our coach could properly do his job and we could all go back to complaining about the uniforms or something.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Don’t get me wrong. I love the kid and hope he stays, but some of your comments on the subject are just plain stupid. If this teams success evolves around his staying, we are screwed anyway. He does do good things, but he in reality is only great at one thing, and that is rebounding. His size and length on the perimeter creates problems for some players, but it is an advantage for others because he is not quick, he has never been quick even before the injury, to go ahead and answer those comments. He did make a big difference when he returned, but at that point, anyone with any skill was a huge help. We have talent already coming in, and more to come. Don’t take this as bashing the kid, it’s not, I hope he stays. But either way, we will be fine.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Jasper first made an impression on me in the first half of the UCLA game his freshman year, in Maui. UK was getting slaughtered, but he led the comeback in what turned out to be a very close loss. He turned that whole game around because he was FEARLESS in going to the basket, and that confidence rubbed off on everyone else. It sucks that he had those injury problems this past season; I think he could have been a lot more productive if he’d been 100% the whole time.
I’d be sorry to see him go, although I think we should trust BCG to build around his style with his players. I hope Jasper can come back and continue to be a part of that, but if he thinks it’d be better for him to move on, I’d wish him all the best wherever he goes.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:52 am
44. I agree 100%. I’ve said it before, the internet is probably the worst thing for UK basketball and has allowed the idiots to voice their opinions far and wide for anyone to hear as opposed to just among their fellow group of know-it-all morons.
43. You need multiple guys to be able to play multiple positions and handle the ball. That’s what makes a team lethal on both ends. Why couldn’t Galloway & Jasper be on the floor at the same time? I agree that Galloway won’t “set” the bench but that doesn’t mean he’s taking Jasper’s spot either and they can’t co-exist.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Bad news!! Extremely bad news! Like taking a step forward, and then two steps back.
Jasper is a perfect example of what UK basketball is. We have been blessed to have over the decades some players with “HEART” and character that this young man has!
I just hope there is nothing to any of this, he is happy, and will return!
However, if he leaves, I hope it works out really well for him!
But as a both good and bad times UK fan, I will be extremely disapointed!
April 16th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Bad news!! Extremely bad news! Like taking a step forward, and then two steps back.
Jasper is a perfect example of what UK basketball is. We have been blessed to have over the decades some players with “HEART” and character that this young man has!
I just hope there is nothing to any of this, he is happy, and will return!
However, if he leaves, I hope it works out really well for him!
But as a both good and bad times UK fan, I will be extremely disapointed!
April 16th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
47.) How can they play at the same time??? We all know jasper is not a 3, and Galloway avg. 8 ppg at the juco level so i find it hard to believe he will be a three, especially when we are recruiting, flemings and Pattillo, both 3’s, and already have miller, a 3, and Liggins, a 1/3??
please explain….
April 16th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Then throw in Ramon Harris, who will w/o doubt steal minutes^^^^^
April 16th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
god, i hope he does not leave. this junior class is what is going to carry this team in the coming season. he will be a great point guard here a UK, stick with us man.
April 16th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
52.) i hope your right cuz it sure wont be the seniors
April 16th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
#50, they can, and will easily both play together! This team has to foundatiuon to be a team with an improved BB IQ over what we have had since Hawkins/Fitch and company graduted, you know when Daniel played center.
It should be a really good passing team, with a high BB IQ, these guys will play at multiple position, often create easy offense, and match up for other teams.
A team with big guards, great passing skills, a lot of interchangeable parts, can go with a much smaller fron line, they can do a lot of things that do not fall within the traditional mind set of how to play the game. And BCG is that type of coach, and Jasper is critical to this!
April 16th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Well this is depressing news, I was really looking forward to a healthy Jasper, Meeks and Patterson next season. Jasper’s energy will be missed. He was a solid defender and rebounder, and on offense, he was the one guy who could create shots for others. I know UK has a couple of other guys coming in with these same abilities, but Jasper’s experience, not only college, but his experience in Gillispie’s system will be missed.
I really hope he has a change of heart, but I wish the best for him, whatever he decides. And I can’t believe what I’m seeing with fellow UK fans trashing a UK player (Porter) my how times have changed. To be honest, it’s embarrassing.
April 16th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Travis Ford to Okla St.
Fox Sport is reportting
April 16th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Jasper did not create shots. Maybe off of passes, but certainly not off the dribble. Thats a fact. I love DJ as a player, but if he leaves, and hopefully he doesnt, I dont think we miss a beat.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8041332/Source:-Ford-leaving-UMass- for-Oklahoma-St.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
56. 58.) the guy is not gone…….if you read the report, it was a maybe 1 week ago and is a “probably not” now. You guys sound like he is gone
April 16th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
thats 55. 57.) ^^^^^
April 16th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I agree with #57. When a player won’t take a wide open 10 footer, he is one dimensional to say the least. The way the game has progressed to it’s present state, you can’t have one dimensional players and be successful. IMO, which don’ mean anything, that was a big part of our problem this year. Teams could defend us 5 or 3 or 4 because we had too many players that possed no offensive threat. Obviously some players are going to excell at certain aspects of the game. But you can’t have primary players on your team that can’t put the ball in the hole.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Maybe he’s just really homesick. Perhaps there are personal reasons (Mom sick, girlfriend pregnant, Dad lost his job in these tough economic times) that makes him want to go back to Cali. Coach has heaped tons of praise on Jasper; he knows how much he fits into the system and is appreciated.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
57, who else other than Jasper got PP and Stevenson the ball last year? That’s all I’m saying. He got other guys good looks, that is a fact, and should he decide to transfer, it will be missed. You don’t have to be an offensive juggernaut to create, you just have to know how to move the defense.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I’m sure Jasper knows that coach has already got 3 new people who could possibly start over him and he’s worried about playing time, which he should be. I actually like Jasper and think he’s improving and has a lot of talent, but he needs to be more of an offensive threat.Most of Tubby’s recruits couldn’t drop a deuce in the toilet bowl lol.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
lol ….. your wrong. I guarantee Jasper is more developed than anyone we bring in, and I would argue that he is just as physically talented than any of them, and not to mention he has a very high bball IQ. I love how every thread leads to Tubby your crazy.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Can we get a local Lexington contingent to hold a candlelight vigil @ Wildcat Lodge tonight??? That could warm the cockles of his heart…
FYI, I don’t live anywhere close, but it’s an idea.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
63- I agree, but crawford started passing more once he got benched. I like Jasper, I can understand his concerns though. I felt like he would start anyway at the 3, or “point foward”. How many jucos step in and are great? Cant think of many besides chris porter, jamie lloreda, and steve francis.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
#63, I wouldn’t exactly call 2.4 assists per game a proficent create and dish man. Look, I don’t want to see the kid leave either, he has his upside. But you all are trying to make him out to be something that he’s not. And #67, you are going to tell me that he is as “Physically Talented” as Darius Miller? More developed than anyone we bring in? I ain’t knocking him. He has great heart, a nose for the ball, and a great attitude, but he is not center piece of this team. He is not a natural point guard, as a matter of fact, I don’t know how you would categorize him. His strongest points would indicate he’s a 4, but he doesn’t have the size. He is not quick enough, nor a consistant enough shooter to be a 1. Just saying.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
of all the dead weight scholarships UK has right now, and God knows there are several, Jasper isn’t one of them. UK needs him.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
61- maybe that happened alot his freshman year, but only a little this year, and it was towards the end of the season. If he stays Jasper will be an nba draft pick. I am of the belief that transfers hurt their stock. Dont know why, but it looks like it does.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
#70, it happened twice against Marq. this year. He got in the lane once with the ball, the D was sagged, he wouldn’t take the shot. The other time, he got a off. rebound(which he does very well)and had a wide open shot 8 ft away and wouldn’t take it. Got to be aggressive in those instances.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Dave C, oddly enough I am a dave c as well. I have not seen anything but pics of Miller, maybe a little youtube, but Jasper is the guy that gets better every year. Look at all the little things he does. When, and I hope he does, get his vertical to where it was as a freshman, and his game catches up to his athletic ability he will be an awesome player. I believe he will be. Miller looks like he will be awesome as well. Jasper is more of a point though. Look at how talented Crawford was outta highschool, Azibuike as well. Dont recall them terrin it up as frosh. That was Tubby though.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Dave C, I remember the times against Marq., maybe he just had a bad game, and it was the cats last. When I say he is the guy that gets bettr every year, I mean I think he is one of tghose guys, like hilton armstrong, k.mart, big dog, those guys are all tall and different than Jasper, I think he is a 4 year guy that gets better all the time.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Since we share similar names, I’ll give you those points. I would love to see him stay and get better and better. I do not think he is the answer at the point, I’m sorry. Maybe it’s just me, but my idea of a ideal point guard, is a quick,fast,aggressive player with the ability to pass and FINISH, either thru penetration, or by pulling up and hitting the jumper. Not someone who’s strong point is rebounding. Again, I love the kid, It wouldn’t hurt my feelings to see a couple of names absent from the roster nest year, and he AIN’T one of them. I just don’t know what his role should be.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Also, I may have given the impression that I thought Miller should run the point, I didn’t mean that at all. I don’t think he fits the role of a point either. But I do think he is more gifted for the game of Basketball than Jasper in terms of his offensive skills.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I sure hope you are right, and he stays.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
75- I didnt think that you implying miller would play point. I guess your right, Jasper is not a true point. He would be better at the 3, and I am counting on him getting much better. He does alot of little things, thats what I like. My idea of a true point guard is DJ Augustine, Derrick Rose, Mike Bibby, Wayne Turner (with a jumper), even a more generic, or less talented type player like Ed
April 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Ed Cota, Omar Cook, Eric Barkley, you knowwhat I mean. I would hope that Jasper being 100% next year could be a better true point guard.
April 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
What I don’t understand is why Jasper would consider this. Here are some thioughts:
1. Maybe he’s trying to leveredge his position with the coaches. By saying it’s possible and acting serious about it, he’ll get to see how serious the UK coaching staff is about him and his position on the team. If this is the case it could be looked at as selfish on one hand and smart on the other. I personally think there are better ways to get your point across if your getting nervous but who am I to say he hasn’t tried other ways… if this is the case.
2. Maybe he doesn’t want to get in front of the free throw line in front of 24,000 fans again. Maybe the pressure is just too much. Maybe shooting free throws in front of 8000 would be easier. (crock
)
3. Maybe he misses home and wants to pay more for gasoline.
I love Jasper and I wish he’d be spending his spring/summer working on:
1. jump shot from 10, 15, & 20 feet
2. a consistent running floater in the lane from 4-8 feet
3. free throws
…instead of ruffling feathers. We need him and I see him starting next year and playing 25+. What more could a guy ask for?
April 16th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I, like other on this blog, like Jasper and hope that he stays. However, to say that he is our hope at point guard is, to put it mildly, overstating things. If he were the point of the future, we wouldn’t be recruiting as many point guards as we have been. Don’t forget, we have a point guard already signed for the 09 class and the 10 class. Frankly, any player that wants to leave because he is afraid of losing playing time to new recruits can leave. That kind of mentality does not seem to show much in the way of self confidence.
April 16th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
[...] Bush) to “hold off on saying anything definite.” As always, we will see…. Sports Talk on KentuckySportsRadio.com » Blog Archive » On Derrick Jasper So there you have it. It’s all up in the air, but it’s definitely more than just a rumor. As I [...]
April 16th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Excellent points Splat. I don’t think that there is any doubt that he is insecure about his place going forward. I think he is aware that he has some serious short comings, and will either have to make one of two decisions. Work hard and fix them, or get out of the spot light. 42% from the line is in itself enough to eliminate someone from being a point guard, at least in my way of thinking. His assist-turnover rate was actually pretty good this year, but just over 2 assists per game is not enough to create team offense. I guess that the fact that Joe C. had to take things into his own hands on many occasions and create on his on may have skewed those numbers, but even that is out of neccesity. Guess we’ll see.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Jasper can sure rebound with the best of ‘em…..
April 16th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Jasper is in a tough spot. He is talented but very limited offensively. He also doesn’t have the handle to be our pg of the future. He is perfect for the point forward spot, but his competition just got very deep. Having said that, I hope that he stays because it seems that BCG is going to gear up with big guards/forwards and Jasper could definately find a niche. I look for BCG to turn up the pressure on the perimeter next season and the team to force some turnovers and push the pace a little. I don’t think that many guys will see 40 minutes a game next year because we will actually have some bench, except for PPat and possibly meeks. We are going to be horrible in the half court because we don’t have any shooters. If Jasper could get back to his athletic freshman form then he will definately help pressure the ball and run the floor which we’re going to need more of next season because we have so few scorers. I would love to be in BCG’s head because there is no telling what he has planned for next year, for both roster and gameplan.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I don’t remember a year where the roster was so up in the air. Next season should be an adventure.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:18 am
i “like” derrick jasper but honestly i have YET to really see where he is a huge value. honestly. i mean, he’s not a big-time scorer and not a true PG. he’s one of the worst free throw shooters I’ve ever seen and like i said, i do “like” the guy but the fact is i wouldn’t miss him even a little bit if he transfers. good luck to whoever gets him if he leaves. he’s potentially a great player but even more so potentially a huge disappointment. that’s my 2 cents…show that you are indeed great DJ; prove us wrong, until then you are just another decent bball player at an institution with historic greatness. sorry to be negative but i just don’t get where he’s very important in the grand scheme of things based on what we’ve seen; as compared to the future prospects that KNOW what they are getting into.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:20 am
TO EVERYONE! This is a rumor that started a year ago, yes he was very homesick and injured. If you listen to BCG’s talk shows he reveres DJ. DJ is not going anywhere and will be vastly improved offensively next season. The only thing keping him from PT is his knee. 1st team SEC next year and All American in his senior year, that’s my prediction…
I can’t believe this rumor still has merit!!! BCG going to OSU had better chances, hymmmm, how that turn out?
April 17th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Matt, I love this blog, don’t let your peers mess with you!! Do the research 1st.
CC
April 17th, 2008 at 1:25 am
87) that’s nice but the facts still remain. i mean, if he’s seriously healthy next season he has a huge amount to prove. he has TONS and i mean TONS of work to do. to get to the importance level of a patrick patterson he has TONS of work to achieve that. there were minimal bright spots for him this season and he should take every single opportunity this off season to get just insane better. not just a little better but dramatically better; else like i said, he’s just another average/slightly above average player. nothing special.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:58 am
89. Coach Gillispie and I disagree with you. Coach expresses this all the time. He is not a prolific scorer yet but he is a great basketball talent. Healthy and with BCG he will easily be developed. I didn’t see any other one legged player better than DJ this past season!!! You can’t compare Patterson and and a PG, two different positions. Look and Rondo with Boston, impressive. Think positive please…
BTW- They all have tons of work to do, DJ is the hardest working player UK’s got.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:59 am
89. BTW- what’s your name about?
April 17th, 2008 at 2:17 am
I like DJ but I liked Tubby as well .. IF DJ goes we will be better off .. We MUST have a PG that can shoot from the field AND the FT line .. That is not DJ’s game .. If we had 4 scorers at all the other positions then he would thrive but alas we do not .. how many times this year did even National broadcasters mention UK’s 3 on 5 offensive woes?? DJ was one of those offensive blanks .. IF he stays, great .. he can finish in the lane, can guard he 3 (not the 1) and is a terrific rebounder. Again, if he goes he will be replaced with a shooter!!!
April 17th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Jasper is unnecessary. dont care if he stays or goes to be honest. he’s an average player, very poor free throw shooter..needs a lot of work especially since he’s supposed to be all that….he aint even close to all that yet.