Gordon leaving WKU to be closer to NJ home

Published Apr. 5, 2012 5:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

Western Kentucky guard Derrick Gordon says he's transferring from the school after leading the Hilltoppers in scoring and rebounding on their way to an unlikely NCAA tournament bid.

Gordon said in a statement Thursday that he wants to move closer to his family in Plainfield, N.J., but did not say what schools he's considering.

Gordon was an integral part of Western Kentucky's late season surge that saw the Hilltoppers win four games in four days to capture the Sun Belt Conference tournament title and reach the NCAA tournament.

Western Kentucky (16-19) overcame a 16-point deficit over the last 5 minutes to beat Mississippi Valley State in the first round before falling to eventual national champion Kentucky in the second round.

Gordon led Western Kentucky with 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds.