Derrick Gordon, 1st Openly Gay D-1 Men's College Basketball Player, to Transfer

Derrick Gordon, who came out as the first openly gay player in NCAA Division I men's college basketball last April, announced Tuesday that he will transfer from the University of Massachusetts for his senior season.

According to ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman, the veteran guard will be eligible to play during the 2015-16 campaign:

Gordon, who averaged nearly 10 points and five rebounds per game with the Minutemen this past season, made it clear that his sexuality has no bearing on his decision to leave UMass, per Goodman.

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I appreciate everything that the coaches and my teammates have done for me. As far as me leaving, it has absolutely nothing to do with my sexuality. In fact, everyone could not have been more supportive with my situation.

This is just a personal decision for me to chase my dreams. I'm trying to put myself in the best situation to be successful, and I hope to go somewhere where I have the opportunity to expand my role and more importantly, win as many games as possible.

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Gordon has been a significant contributor at Massachusetts in each of the past two seasons, which means he shouldn't have much trouble catching on with a program capable of making a run to the Big Dance.

The Plainfield, New Jersey, native is a great glue guy who contributes in almost every category, which makes him an ideal candidate to fit in seamlessly wherever he ultimately lands.

Gordon has been an inspirational figure to many over the past year, and he will continue to thrive in that regard even as his tenure at UMass reaches its conclusion. 

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