Derrick Gordon visited a trio of Atlantic 10 schools and then chose one.
The 6-foot-2 former Western Kentucky guard Tweeted Friday that he picked UMass over St. Joe’s and Rhode Island.
The former St. Patrick standout averaged 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds. He must sit a year per NCAA transfer regulations.
“THIS WAS A LONG AND HARD DECISION FOR ME…BUT NOW IT’S OVER…IT’S OFFICIAL I WILL BE GOING TO UMASS!!!!…” he Tweeted.
He added by phone: “My relationship with Coach [Derek] Kellogg [was a factor]. He’s just one of them down to Earth guys that I know I can talk to about anything besides basketball. I know he’s going to be a great guy to play for. I loved his personality . I can talk to him about anything. When I went down there on my visit, everything was great. I love the campus, the basketball players that was there. I was with Chaz Williams and Jesse [Morgan] and Maxie [Esho]. Those guys right there. I just had a good time when I was down there. They treated me like family. I knew that was something I really wanted to be around and enjoy.
“They’re a run-and-gun team. They press for 40 minutes which I love doing. And I know that I’m going to get better. They do a lot of pick-and-roll stuff. The year that I sit out is going to be really good for me to get better on my ball-handling and point guard skills.
“It’s a win-win situation. I’m happy I made the decision. It’s time to get down there and just get better.”
