Paso Robles High School hires new basketball coach
Former Bearcat Derrick Jasper was previously assistant coach at Texas Tech University
Derrick Jasper.
–Paso Robles Joint Unified School District announced that former Paso Robles High School Bearcat, Derrick Jasper, will be taking over as the new head varsity boys’ basketball coach. Jasper returns to Paso Robles after spending the last five years as an assistant coach for Tubby Smith at Texas Tech University. Says Coach Smith, “Paso Robles has a great individual in Derrick Jasper. He has great passion for the game and has been an ideal player and assistant.”
While at PRHS, Jasper started for the Bearcats and was named to the all-league team for all four years of high school. In 2005 and 2006, he was the PAC 5 League MVP, County Player of the Year, and named to the All CIF 1st team. Upon graduation, Jasper attended the University of Kentucky where he started 27 games for the Wildcats and helped lead his team to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. He earned All-SEC Freshman Honors and made the Academic Honor Roll. As a sophomore, Jasper had to sit out the first eleven games due to knee surgery. He returned to the starting lineup and again led Kentucky to another berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Jasper completed his collegiate career as a member of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels where he played for Hall of Fame coach, Lon Kruger. While there, he served as captain and again led his team to the NCAA Tournament both years. A passer by trade, Jasper played in a total of 107 collegiate games and recorded 73 multiple assist games during his college career.
On the hiring of Jasper, PRHS Athletic Director, Anthony Morales, said “our goal is to find the perfect individual who will serve our community, our district, our high school athletic program, and most importantly, the K-8 youth that are the foundation for our programs. We choose coaches who have the vision in continuing to build and develop state-caliber programs for Paso Robles High School. We are thrilled to say, we have found that person in Coach Derrick Jasper.”
Jasper is excited about the opportunity to give back to his alma mater. His mother, Sue, recently retired from working in PRJUSD for 23 years. “Coming back to my hometown of Paso Robles has been a surreal experience. The tradition and pride this community holds for their Bearcats is undeniable.”
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