that doesn’t mean this decision is the best.

“Best” is extremely relative. It is impossible for me to say what is best for Derrick (or anyone besides myself, for that matter.) I take myself for an example. Coming out of high school, I had above average grades and test scores. I was interested in a high-demand field (computer science.) Many people told me it was “best” for me to get away from small town Kentucky, go to a big name school, get a high-dollar education, head for Silicon Valley, knock down loads of money, and never look back. By most people’s definition, that would be “best.”

I guess I can identify with Derrick, here. I didn’t want to leave home and family. I like small town Kentucky. So I went to Murray State (less than two hours from home) and came home every weekend. I went to Western to get my master’s degree (about an hour from home) and came home twice a week (once to teach at the local community college; again on weekends.) Straight out of college, I went to work as the webmaster for the local community college. I make about $15-20K less per year than my skill set ought to command, even in this area. (Those are the school’s own numbers!)

Was my decision “best”? For me, it was. I am blissfully happy at my job. My wife and I are comfortable, though by no means rich. I live 15 minutes or less from all my immediate family. I think my decision was best. Many others have disagreed with me. But that’s their opinion. By my definition of best, I made the right decision.

I think Derrick is in a similar situation. Quoting you above:

derrick, do not tell me you just transferred from a school that
will immortalize you and has already embraced you as a family member just because
one of your old high school or AAU teammates has transferred back to california or
wherever, and has been whispering in your ear about how great it’d be to play together
again. please do not tell me someone else’s decision to transfer back home has
caused you to leave us and transfer back home, too. it was your team next year, man.
It was all yours.

Perhaps this is the reason Derrick transferred, and perhaps for him, that is “best.” Through our blue-tinted glasses, no way is this best. With regard to basketball, it’s hard to see how this is best. But we don’t know how Derrick defines best.

I love Derrick’s game. I was hoping against hope that he would return to UK. He seems like an outstanding person in addition to an outstanding player. Here’s hoping he’s happy, and made the “best” choice for him.

We have this huge need for a point (lead) guard, and its his for the taking. Honestly, he’s the most qualified of all the remaining guys on the team, and of the new guys. (Liggins might be more talented than Jasper, but Liggins won’t have 1+ year of experience in Billy’s system.)

I don’t see why Jasper leaves because he wants to play PG. Just doesn’t make sense to me.

I think most UK fans are excited to see if Gillispie can identify the good in-state players from the not-so-spectacular. (I think most people would say that has been a problem in the past for Kentucky coaches.)

Miller seems to be the real deal, but the reason you won’t see his name come up in all these Jasper conversations is because he brings a different skill set to the table. Galloway and Liggins both bring the ballhandler skill-set. Any discussion on point production for next year will eventually turn to Miller, especially when it comes to the wing positions.