Derrick Gordon

Last updated

Derrick Gordon
Derrick Gordon (5443881189) (cropped).jpg
Gordon in action with St. Patrick High School.
Free Agent
Position Shooting guard
Personal information
Born (1991-12-12) December 12, 1991 (age 32)
Plainfield, New Jersey
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight204 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school St. Patrick (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
College
NBA draft 2020: undrafted
Playing career2020–present
Career history
2020–2021 Apollon Limassol
2021–2022 Gladiators Trier
Career highlights and awards

Derrick Robert Gordon (born December 12, 1991) is an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, Gordon attended and played for three universities, originally the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where in 2014, Gordon became the first men's basketball player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I to come out as gay and play in a game. On March 24, 2015, Gordon announced his intention to transfer to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and continue to play college basketball, after a single season at WKU. [1]

Contents

After two seasons at UMass, during which he graduated in May 2015, Gordon decided to transfer again, for his final year of eligibility. He was eligible to enroll at another college as a graduate student, and play immediately the following season. Gordon transferred to Seton Hall for the 2015–16 season, [2] and, in 2016, became the first player to play in the NCAA tournament with three different teams, namely Western Kentucky, UMass, and Seton Hall.

He has also played for Apollon Limassol of the Cypriot League.

Career

Gordon playing for St. Patrick High School Derrick Gordon (5203075217).jpg
Gordon playing for St. Patrick High School

Gordon attended St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he starred for the school's basketball team. [3]

Upon graduating from high school, Gordon enrolled at Western Kentucky University, where he played for the Hilltoppers team during the 2011–12 season. He led WKU in scoring with 11.8 points per game. Gordon was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference third team. After the season, he decided to transfer to the University of Massachusetts (UMass), due to a change in the coaching staff at Western Kentucky, and in order to be closer to his family. [3] [4] Due to the NCAA's rules on transfers, he sat out the 2012–13 season.

Gordon played for UMass during the 2013–14 season. He started all of the team's 33 games. On the season, he averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, scoring a season-high 22 points in a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Minutemen qualified for the NCAA tournament, but lost in the second round to the Tennessee Volunteers. [3]

Gordon transferred to Seton Hall for the 2015–16 season after graduating from UMass. [5] Gordon won the Big East Conference Basketball tournament as a member of the Pirates.

In July 2016, he announced that he was training to become a San Francisco firefighter. [6] He left firefighter training after only two months and did not complete the training. In February 2017 he announced on his Facebook page [7] that he was going to make another attempt to play basketball professionally. He hired an agent but did not receive any contract offers. As of October 2017 he resides in San Francisco and remains a free agent. In August 2017 he posted on Facebook that he was now pursuing acting and writing. He posted that he received his first acting job to play Marshawn in an upcoming movie 'Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends' to be released in late 2018. [8] After a time with Apollon Limassol in Cyprus he played the 2021-22 season for Römerstrom Gladiators Trier in Germany. This news has been released 28 April 2021 by the local newspaper (Trierischer Volksfreund). His new coach Marco van den Berg stated that “[Gordon] is that type of leader that we so missed last season.“ [9]

Personal life

Gordon is from Plainfield, New Jersey. He has two brothers, including a twin. [10]

Gordon began to think he might be gay while attending middle school. [11] In April 2014, Gordon came out to his family and teammates. He subsequently chose to come out publicly later in 2014, becoming the first openly gay men's basketball player in Division I. [3] Gordon said "I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way ... I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a Division I player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?'" He further said that Jason Collins' becoming the first openly gay player in the National Basketball Association inspired him to come out. [3] [12] Gordon's family was mixed in their responses to his coming out. [10] He received praise from Collins and Michael Sam, who became the first openly gay player in the National Football League. [3] Students organized a rally in support of Gordon, occurring on April 16, which drew over 1,500 supporters. Five members of the Westboro Baptist Church were on hand to protest against Gordon. [13] [14] Later that year, he became the first openly gay player in Division I to play in a men's basketball game. [15] In 2016, he became the first openly gay man to play in the March Madness tournament. [16] As of 2020 he regularly uploads on his YouTube channel which as of January 2021 has amassed 3.5K subscribers and over 130,000+ total views.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Calipari</span> American college basketball coach (born 1959)

John Vincent Calipari is an American basketball coach who is the head coach at the University of Arkansas. He was the head coach at the University of Kentucky from 2009 until the end of the 2024 season, which he led to one NCAA Tournament Championship in 2012. He has been named Naismith College Coach of the Year three times, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edgar Diddle</span> American college mens basketball coach

Edgar Allen Diddle was an American college men's basketball coach. He is known for coaching at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky from 1922 to 1964. Diddle became the first coach in history to coach 1,000 games at one school. Diddle was known as one of the early pioneers of the fast break and for waving a red towel around along the sidelines. During games he would wave, toss, and chew on this towel, and even cover his face in times of disappointment. His red towel is now part of WKU's official athletic logo. Diddle experienced only five losing seasons in 42 years.

Clarence Glover is a retired American National Basketball Association (NBA) player, who played in college at Western Kentucky (1968–1971). Glover was a forward at 6'8" and 210 lb.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darrin Horn</span> American college basketball coach

Darrin McKinley Horn is an American college basketball head coach at Northern Kentucky, having previously served as an assistant coach at the University of Texas and a head coach for the Division I (NCAA) programs at Western Kentucky University and at the University of South Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football</span> College football team that represents Western Kentucky University

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football program is a college football team that represents Western Kentucky University. The team competes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level and represents the university as a member of Conference USA in the Eastern division. The 2002 team was the FCS national champion. The program has 13 conference championships and 7 FBS-level bowl game victories. The Hilltoppers play their home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky and the team's head football coach is Tyson Helton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball</span> Mens basketball team

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team is the men's basketball team that represents Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Hilltoppers currently compete in Conference USA. The team's most recent appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was in 2024. Hank Plona was announced as the team's current head coach on April 2, 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball</span> College basketball team

The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball program is the NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's basketball program of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. The team competes in the Big East Conference and plays their home games in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Pirates are currently coached by Shaheen Holloway. Seton Hall has appeared 14 times in the NCAA tournament and were national runners-up in 1989.

John Oldham was an American college and professional basketball player, college basketball coach and athletic director. Oldham interrupted his studies at Western Kentucky University (WKU) to serve in the US Navy during World War II. He was on the university's basketball team and after graduation in 1949 played for the Fort Wayne Pistons. Oldham went into coaching in 1952 at College High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1955 he became coach of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles men's basketball and led the team to three conference championships. He returned to WKU in 1964 to coach the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team, leading them to four NCAA tournaments, one NIT, and winning four Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships. In 1971 Oldham was promoted to athletic director at WKU, a position he held until 1986. During his tenure the university won six OVC and one Sun Belt Conference All-Sports Championship. After retirement he was elected to the Bowling Green City Commission.

Christopher Lee Marcus was an American basketball player, best known for his collegiate career at Western Kentucky University between 1999–2000 and 2002–03.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011–12 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2011–12 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by fourth year head coach Ken McDonald for the first 16 games of the season before he was fired and were then led by former assistant and new head coach Ray Harper for the remainder of the year. They played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena and are members of the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference. They finished the season 16–19, 7–9 in Sun Belt Play to finish in a tie for third place in the East Division. The Hilltoppers were champions of the Sun Belt Basketball tournament to earn the conference's automatic bid into the 2012 NCAA tournament. It was their 22nd tournament appearance and first since 2009. WKU was also the first sub-.500 team to make the NCAA Tournament since Coppin State in 2008. They defeated Mississippi Valley State in the First Four round before falling in the second round to eventual national champion Kentucky. Derrick Gordon made the All-Conference Team; Gordon and Kahil McDonald were selected to the SBC Tournament Team, and George Fant was tournament MVP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014–15 UMass Minutemen basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2014–15 UMass Minutemen basketball team represented the University of Massachusetts Amherst during the 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Minutemen, led by seventh year head coach Derek Kellogg, played their home games at the William D. Mullins Memorial Center and were members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. They finished the season 17–15, 10–8 in A-10 play to finish in a three-way tie for sixth place. They lost in the second round of the A-10 tournament to La Salle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015–16 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2015–16 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by head coach Ray Harper in his fourth season. They played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena and were second year members of Conference USA. They finished the season 18–16, 8–10 in C-USA play to finish in eighth place. They defeated North Texas and UAB to advance to the semifinals of the C-USA tournament where they lost to Old Dominion. Despite having 18 wins and a better they .500 record, they did not participate in a postseason tournament.

Although gay athletes and coaches are increasingly accepted in college sports, they continue to be controversial among some people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football statistical leaders</span>

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football statistical leaders are individual statistical leaders of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football program in various categories, including passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive stats, and kicking. Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. The Hilltoppers represent Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the NCAA's Conference USA (C-USA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016–17 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2016–17 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by head coach Rick Stansbury in his first season. They played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky and were third-year members of Conference USA. They finished the season 15–17, 9–9 in C-USA play to finish in a tie for seventh place. They lost to UTSA in the first round of the C-USA tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017–18 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2017–18 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by head coach Rick Stansbury in his second season and played their home games at E. A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky as fourth-year members of Conference USA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Johnson (basketball)</span> American basketball player

Justin Blake Johnson is an American professional basketball player for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). He played college basketball for Western Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1966–67 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 1966–67 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers men's basketball team represented Western Kentucky University during the 1966-67 NCAA University Division Basketball season. The Hilltoppers were led by coach John Oldham and consensus All-American player Clem Haskins. WKU won the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and season championship, as well as the conference's automatic bid to the 1967 NCAA University Division basketball tournament, where they lost to the eventual runner-up, Dayton, in overtime. The conference tournament was held in December and had no impact on the conference standing, the conference bid to the NCAA was awarded to the season champion. The Hilltoppers had the misfortune of having their star player, Haskins, break his wrist during the February 6th game against Murray State. He missed the next 5 games but returned to finish the season playing in a cast, which limited his effectiveness.

Jared Savage is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Austin Peay Governors and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dalano Banton</span> Canadian professional basketball player (born 1999)

Dalano Banton is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Banton's selection with the 46th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors made him the first Canadian player to be drafted by the Canadian franchise.

References

  1. ↑ "UMass guard Gordon says he is transferring". ESPN.com. March 24, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Derrick Gordon says he will transfer to Seton Hall". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fagan, Kate (April 9, 2014). "UMass' Derrick Gordon says he's gay". ESPN.com . Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  4. ↑ Goodman, Jeff. "UMass adds Western Kentucky star transfer Derrick Gordon". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ Gleeson, Scott (May 17, 2015). "Derrick Gordon says he will transfer to Seton Hall". USA Today. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Derrick Gordon leaves basketball to become firefighter". Sports Illustrated. July 22, 2016.
  7. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/DerrickFlashGordon [ user-generated source ]
  8. ↑ "Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends (2022) - IMDb". IMDb .
  9. ↑ "Basketball: Zwei weitere Abgänge und ein Neuzugang bei den Gladiators". April 28, 2021.
  10. 1 2 "Derrick Gordon's family had mixed reactions when he came out as gay". Usatoday.com. April 4, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ Stephen Sellner (April 9, 2014). "UMass's Derrick Gordon announces he is gay – Sports". The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  12. ↑ Gleeson, Scott (April 9, 2014). "UMass coach Derek Kellogg supports Derrick Gordon coming out". USA Today . Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  13. ↑ Diane Lederman (April 16, 2014). "5 Westboro Baptist Church members draw jeers from more than 100 during brief protest at UMass-Amherst". masslive.com. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  14. ↑ Emma Margolin (April 9, 2014). "Rally for Derrick Gordon buries Westboro Baptist protest". MSNBC. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Moment Resonates, Quietly, at UMass". The New York Times. November 15, 2014.
  16. ↑ "WATCH: The First Openly Gay Athlete to Play in March Madness". March 18, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.