I can garantee we don't make the NCAA tournament, but I can see how he'd feel a little unappreciated in the end, but I can remember when there was great speculation about his possible (or impossible) return, I can't agree he's gone totally un-noticed.

Jasper didn't make an immediate contribution (San Diego game @ Rupp), but it wasn't long after that until he was able to rehab his knee to the point he could give significant minutes and make MAJOR contributions to the SEC run.

As sophomore, he shouldn't worry about it, his time and recognition is coming.  UK needs him and I'm sure he'll deliver just as he did this year.

was an integral part of the team this past season,and his role did not go unnoticed.Coach Gillispie always spoke glowingly of him and his contributions.I think as far as the total picture goes,the injury to Meeks and Parick took away some of the limelight that Jasper might have received.Also,the concern for the ream in qualifying for the NCAA tournament,and finally the demise of Mr.Wildcat really did'nt give fans an opportunity to focus that much on anyone.

I feel all Kentucky basketball players know  they are the most loved and appreciated athletes in D-1 basketball,and don't have to be constantly reminded of this affection the fans have.

DJ is an outstanding player...hustles, rebounds and passes the ball with the best of them...I hope he stays....I can see great things from him over the next 2 years leading us to the promise land!  

Derrick Jasper is the man and my favorite player on the team since he's been here.

Just so this doesn't look like a "reaction" to Tru's post...  I was giving at least giving him a little love, but not enough.  I haven't bragged on him too much because I try to stay at least somewhat on topic.

http://www.aseaofblue.com/comments/2008/4/10/9538/77318/86#86

http://www.aseaofblue.com/comments/2008/3/25/84653/5751/20#20

I'm also on the record how high I am on tall guards (too many comments to list).  Jasper definitely fits that mold.

He did an incredible job of being tough and playing through his injury.  I'm recovering from an injury of my own, and I wish I could do as well as he has!

He has done an AWESOME job in the off-season improving his shot.  That kind of personal dedication is what makes a player great.

He's got great heart - when he messes up on a play, you can see the frustration on his face.  He really wants to do well for his team and it shows.  He's clearly got an emotional investment in the team's success.  I can really sympathize with this a lot I think because I'm the same way (even though my endeavors aren't basketball related).

If you look at when the team started to improve, it was when Derrick Jasper came back.  Yes, there was some definite improvement to Bradley and Crawford, but I think it's more than coincidence that the real improvements in results came when Jasper returned.  My friends and I talked about it all the time during the season how much better the team looked when Jasper returned.  It seemed like all the haphazardness of our offense just evaporated when Jasper started playing.  He was creating shots for his teammates and taking advantages of weak spots in the defense.

He played great defense, even with a bum knee, against smaller, faster players.

He had to play the 4 position at times after Patterson went down.  It's not his position, so it didn't show him in his best light, but he did it anyway, without complaint, for the team.  because he's the only one that could do it.

Just for reality's sake, if there's one knock on Jasper, he still has some nervousness issues, like Jeff Sheppard had.  He hasn't yet been able to hit the clutch shot - but that's OKAY!  He's just a sophomore who, like his whole class, has been through 2 coaches in 2 years and all of that turmoil, plus the injury.  Still, I am confident he will overcome these and transition from great to awesome by his senior year and become the next Jeff Sheppard (or better!).

I think what endears people to Bradley and Crawford is first, that they were seniors, so they get celebrated more for their UK accomplishments because there aren't going to be any more.  And most importantly, it's the psychology of the UK fan base: it's a mostly Christian group, and the story of the Prodigal Son is well drilled therein.  The prodigal son is celebrated more than the steadfast son (or even Job) in the Christian tradition, and that's not fair, that's just how it is.

I think part of Jasper's discontentment might be - Gillispie has recruited 2 players (Galloway, Liggins) already that are "Jasper-replacements" i.e. 1/3 types.  But what he needs to understand is these guys are going to be new next year and Jasper will be a junior with 2 years of good playing experience.  We need to have someone (Liggins) when he graduates!

He's doing great and I've never listed his position as "needs help" from new recruits in any of my forum posts.  I've always said the positions where we need help are a backup 2 guard to replace Legion, and most prominently, a 4/5 guy to back up Patterson and Stevenson.  Derrick is a big part of our foundation and we need to build around him.

I'd like to see Jasper play the point next year.  He did a great job with it in the 2007 season, especially for a freshman, plus now he has a deadly 3-point shot, and he'll be at full strength for 2009, barring any injuries.

If any UK fan doesn't like Jasper's game, they're smoking crack, that's all there is to it.

Anyway, sorry Derrick, for all the man-love.  But I just like your game.

He was the player this year that reminded me most of Tayshaun P.... my all time favorite wildcat.  Tru, I wouldn't be so hard on yourself.  I remember reading on more than one occasion where you wrote that you thought the key to this team's success was in the hands of Jasper and how smoothly things operated when he was on the court.  I am of course way too lazy to look up that post so hopefully you all remember.    
He did great for a sophomore returning from surgery.  I do agree that he deals with nerves from time to time, but he'll grow out of that.  Was there really a source for this topic?  I am not saying you are creating stories, I am just shocked I guess.  How many times did you all hear Coach G. talk about Derrick Jasper and how he was his favorite kid and how he wished everyone could have his heart? I thought the season was full of suspense... geessh.

---bummed in Nashville.

As I wrote  about a month ago.  I was lucky enough to make it down to Anaheim (from Eugene, OR) to see the 1st round game with the Cats & Marquette (sp?)

I have a clear image in my mind, that during the 2nd half of the game, Derrick came down awkwardly on his injured knee. Derrick winced in pain, but once again he forced himself to continue to compete hard as the Cats fought hard to win the game.

I proudly called my brother in KY before the game to let him know I was at the game site an hour before tipoff.  My brother wondered why I would drive 18 hours to view a game that " we were supposed to lose".  I told him then, and I continue to feel this way.  "It is the least I can do for a team that has worked their rear ends off to put themselves in the tournament, especially after such a difficult start to the season."

Derrick, how can any true Cat fan not appreciate how you lead the team (by example) on pure guts and inspiration for most of conference play. Oh yeah, then there was your incredible game against the Gators to put us in March madness.

Derrick, there are folks all over the country that recognize your value on our team.  We need you back for the next two years.

Sincerely,

Gary Riddell

will be possibly the most important piece of the puzzle next year. we certainly need patterson, meeks, and company muchly, but jasper is the returning floor general.

thanks for an incredible effort last year derrick and we look forward to watching you next year!

I, like others, was caught completely by surprise by this.

I believe that if Jasper did not play last year UK barely goes .500 in the SEC, ends the season with a losing record, and misses the tournament.

Jasper is the tie that binds on this team.  Derrick - make no mistake the Big Blue Nation admires you and your efforts.  We do not want you to go anywhere.

This blog article has almost caused a complete meltdown on The Cats'Pause.

By this afternoon, I am sure half the team will be leaving.

Rumors are "running rampant."

DJ has had a great 2 years at UK. We the fans really do appreciate you and your dedication to us (UKBB) by fighting thru pain and getting on the court sooner than you should have,because we needed you alot. We hope you stay, because you are apart of the BBN. We really respect you and are really looking forward to seeing you at 100% again. Not just because we want you to play better (even though that will happen at 100%), but because we care about you and your welfare as a person. WildCat fan in MS.

His toughness in coming back so quickly (and effectively) from surgery served as a lynchpin for this team to make its amazing turnaround.

Every time he has the ball, I feel good.  And watching him play in that Florida game was just beautiful.

Even if he doesn't stay, I would want to thank him for everything he's done.  He's a great kid, and a great player too.

I hope he stays.  His shooting has improved so much.  He didn't get all the love because he missed games and he was so off and on offensively.

I don't know about "No bigger and more passionate heart exists on the Kentucky team."  I don't think we can single out any player for that.  

He should be praised for coming back the way he has.

Didn't he once before threaten to transfer?

We can breathe a little easier now.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8041332/Source:-Ford-leaving-UMass-for-Oklahoma-St.

As others have stated, there is no question that without Jasper UK would not have made it to the NCAA tournament this year.  The unique combination of size and skill set he brings to the floor is a tremendous advantage to UK and it would be a serious blow to the team if he were to transfer.

I hope he stays.  With the players around him he's the kind of guy who could easily get some triple doubles and average close to 7-8 assists per game next year.

IF, and it is still and IF, tis story is true, and I have my doubts..  then Jasper is sounding like a spoiled little kid or just an immature kid.  No reason to coddle him.

I hope he stays, he is a good player.

Jasper!  We need you!!!

He worked really hard this season and did an outstanding job.  Billy G. often remarked that he made the team better every time he stepped on the floor.  

After a long period of extended effort and stress, people often experience a period of depression and then come out of it before the next period of effort begins.  Jasper may just be going through something like this.

Anyway, he is the man who makes the Cats go!  Most of us realize that and appreciate his effort.  I seriously hope he stays.