Jasper set to announce, UK likely destination

One of the top available guards in the nation, Derrick Jasper from Paso Robles (Calif.) High School is set to announce his future college destination this afternoon. Jasper, 6-feet-5, 200-pounds, has narrowed his choices down to Kentucky, Washington, Illinois and Memphis. However, one school is the odds on favorite to land his pledge today at 3 p.m. PT.

"Derrick is going to call the coaches this afternoon when he gets out of school and let them know who he has chosen," Jasper's AAU coach Darren Matsubara said. "It's been a tough process for him but he's been blessed with so many great opportunities. All of the coaches did a great job recruiting him and he took some visits and handled this the right way.

"I would be very surprised if it weren't Kentucky. I don't want to speak for Jasper; he can do that for himself. But Kentucky is in a very good position."

Jasper, who is rated the nation's 35th best prospect by Rivals.com, has a tremendous upside and looks to be an impact player as a freshman.

"The thing I like about Jasper is that he is a versatile player," Rivals.com scout Jerry Meyer said. "He has height, strength and quickness as a perimeter player. He's really sharpened up his point guard skills over the summer. He is a great rebounder which allows a team to get out on the break.

"If you look at the great, big point guards in the NBA like Magic Johnson and a Jason Kidd, they ignite the fastbreak with their ability to rebound and get the team off and running quickly.

Derrick Jasper VideoClick "Another aspect of his game that stands out is his ability as a defender to guard the small forward position which puts him closer to the basket and gives him more opportunity to impact a game from baseline-to-baseline."Here to view this Link.