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Expect Derrick Jasper to transfer.
Say goodbye to Morakinyo Williams.
During a news conference on Saturday, Kentucky Coach Billy Gillispie spoke in terms of those players leaving the program.
Jasper, who has reportedly been considering a transfer because of homesickness and possibly other reasons, should have an announcement this coming week, Gillispie said. "I would expect he's going to transfer," the UK coach said, "but it hasn't been finalized."
Williams, a seldom-used 6-foot-11 freshman center, has asked for a release and provided a list of schools for UK to send his transfer information, Gillispie said. The player is looking for more playing time, the UK coach said.
Jasper's return from microfracture knee surgery keyed Kentucky's surge in the second half of last season. During the January-through-March period, Gillispie repeatedly spoke glowingly of Jasper's contributions.
"It's been devastating for us not to have had him on the court," said Gillispie, who called Jasper "one of the toughest players I've been around in my coaching career."
Jasper infused UK with a can-do spirit. "You can see a difference in the body language in players when he's out there ... ," Gillispie said last season. "He'll go get it and he'll make some play you can't coach. I think that gives everybody confidence."
When asked Saturday how Jasper's departure would affect UK next season, Gillispie noted the constant need to adjust. "Our wheels are always in motion," he said.
Billy Gillispie news conference May 10, on Derrick Jasper, etc.