Kentucky G Jasper to transfer

May 31, 2008 - 5:53 PM LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Ticker) -- University of Kentucky sophomore guard Derrick Jasper announced Saturday that he is transferring, citing a desire to play closer to home as the reason for his decision.

A native of Paso Robles, California, Jasper played in 20 games for the Wildcats, averaging 4.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. He had missed the first 10 contests of the season due to offseason knee surgery.

"The decision to transfer is in no way an indication of my experience playing for UK," Jasper said. "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.

"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."

Jasper had played in 27 games during his freshman season, scoring 3.9 points and pulling down 3.6 rebounds per game.