Gillispie: Jasper Likely Leaving UK

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Posted: 4:32 PM May 10, 2008
Last Updated: 7:56 PM May 10, 2008

9 comments

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The Wildcats have been in the headlines lately for gaining several recruits. Now it looks like the Cats might lose a couple already on the roster.

It's been common knowledge that UK Guard Derrick Jasper could leave the Big Blue mainly because of being home sick. For the first time, Billy Gillispie has come forward saying the junior to be is likely leaving.

At a press conference earlier Saturday, Coach Gillispie said everyone has pretty much known for weeks that Jasper is leaving. More than once last season, Gillispie spoke of Jasper's value to the UK team as a ball-handler, decision-maker and example of toughness. Last season Jasper played in 20 games after sitting out due to constant knee problems. The California native four points and five rebounds and while his free throw shooting suffered dramatically, Jasper shot 43 percent from three point range.

Gillispie also said freshman big man Morakinyo Williams has asked for a release.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Jalen Location: Cooper on May 12, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Next year kentucky will struggle. I mean you're already losing Crawford and Bradley and then Derrick Jasper. He is such a team player and is really versatile. If DeAndre Liggins don't get eligible Jodie Meeks or Kevin Galloway will have to play point guard. The wildcats need to get ready for hard times next season.

Posted by: UK fan Location: lex on May 12, 2008 at 05:24 AM
I just don't get you people that are insulting coach Gillispie! Why don't you get off your high horse (and the bandwagon) you're on and leave it alone! You haven't even given the guy a chance to turn things around! It's not the coach that is the reason for Jasper leaving! If you remember correctly, he pulled the same stunt last year! I say let him go! His heart obviously isn't in it to begin with! We know that Billy G will bring someone in twice as good to take his place! You can't try to put the coach out the door after only giving him 1 season to turn things around! Get over yourselves! It's fans like you that give the rest of us Big Blue Fans a bad name!

Posted by: Brandon Noe Location: Beattyville on May 12, 2008 at 05:01 AM
It will be a huge loss for the KY Team to loose a guy like Jasper / he works harder than anyone on the team and sets the tone on defense when he is in the game. Scorers are easy enough to find (everyone wants to be the scorer) but finding players with the "IT" that Jasper has is hard to replace. He gives you a 110% the entire game / he will be sorely missed by us Hillbillies in Eastern KY. Brandon Noe

Posted by: Me Location: KY on May 11, 2008 at 04:44 PM
That right you cant keep a ball player. I think that KY basketball has went down hill since tubby smith arrived The only good team the man hadd was when won teh national championship and that was with the greatest coach they are Rick Pitino at the university of louiville who in my opinion will WIN THE NCAA TOURNEY IN 2009. nothing against Billy G he is a great coach and legend in the making but he is the garbage man and picking up the trash and tryingto make it a certified clean state agian and in order to do that you have to sign 8th graders right. i love the way he looks at the young people and gives them a chance. Billy G you are a great and will have UK back to where it was 10 years ago.

Posted by: SPIKE LEE OF KY.BB Location: LEX,KY. on May 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
IN NO WAY AM I TRYING TO BE A EeYORE(A PERSON THAT'S ALWAYS NEGATIVE).IT JUST SADDENS ME THAT A PLAYER OF THIS CALIBER LEAVES A PROGRAM THAT'S HEADING DOWN HILL.LOCK IT UP,OTHER SCHOOLS WILL USE THIS AGAINST KY.ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL.I STRONGLY BELIEVE THE DECISION TO SACRIFICE THIS SEASON WAS A DETERMINING FACTOR.I AM NOT BUYING THE HOMESICK THEORY.THE DECISION SHOULD'VE BEEN MADE TO RESHIRT,THIS WAS VERY SELFISH ON THE PAC MAN JONES PART(BILLY G).WRIE THIS DOWN,USE IT AS A BOOKMARK,STICK IT ON YOUR REFRIGERATER DOOR,DJ WILL PREVAIL AND SHINE WHEREVER HE LANDS.I PUT THIS LOSS ON THE VERY SAME LEVEL AS LOSING TUBBY,DR.SMITH.THIS KID IS SUCH A MODEL OF THE WAY A STUDENT ATHLETE IS SUPPOSE TO BE.IT SADDENS ME ESPECIALLY FOR JODIE MEEKS,THESE TWO WERE UNSEPERABLE.DJ WORKED HIS TAIL OFF ALL SUMMER LONG AND LIMPED ALL OVER THE PLACE,NOT TO MENTION SACRIFICING AN ENTIRE SEASON.IT'S NOT THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE,IT'S THUNDER OVER LEX.DON'T SAY NO,NO,NO IF JODIE GOES.LOCK IT UP.

Posted by: tim Location: cynthiana on May 11, 2008 at 07:59 AM
if he wants to be closer to his family it's his choice.i wish he would stay,but if he leaves i will respect his decision.coach gillispie will replace him.you know sadly or sometimes joyfully all the players have to be replaced due to transfer,leave early,graduation etc.

Posted by: uk fan on May 11, 2008 at 06:58 AM
So long little whiney baby.

Posted by: jerry Location: U.K. on May 10, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Gillispie could not coach a hot dog stand.It would make since if the team all went somewhere else.It all starts at the top

Posted by: Kaye Location: Berea on May 10, 2008 at 09:02 PM
This doesn't come as a surprise to me. Jasper didn't seem to be in the game this past season anyways. He should have left before last season even got started and gave someone else the opportunity to play that could have made a difference for the team. What is wrong with players anymore. Getting homesick?? Are you kidding me, I would say they are just spoiled and they can't handle the pressure it takes to play college ball. Let them go home to their mommies !!!!!!

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