Sports

UMass Guard Gordon Says Coming Out Let Him Focus on Game

Published

11 years ago

March 13, 2015

In this Nov. 22, 2014, file photo, Massachusetts Derrick Gordon looks on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Uncasville, Conn. Gordon became a better basketball player and a better teammate this season, and he credits both to having the courage to play as an openly gay man. Gordon’s first season since coming out likely ended Thursday in the first round of the Atlantic 10 tournament at Barclays Center. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)

RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Massachusetts guard Derrick Gordon became a better basketball player and a better teammate this season, and he credits both to having the courage to play as an openly gay man.

Gordon’s first season since coming out likely ended Thursday in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament at Barclays Center.

The junior guard scored seven points and had five rebounds as the Minutemen (17-15), who are still holding out slim hopes for an NIT bid, lost 76-69 to La Salle.

Gordon became the first openly gay player in men’s Division I college basketball when he came out last year, and it changed his life for the better in every way. He said he was unburdened on and off the court.

“All last season, that was something I was always thinking about,” Gordon told The Associated Press. “It was always in the back of my mind. This year, everybody knows. So everywhere we went I didn’t have to worry about it. It was like what you see is what you get. I am who I am.

“It just made me forget about that and just concentrate on my game.”

The numbers show Gordon was about the same player he was last season. He averaged a tick above nine points per game again. His shooting percentage dropped, but his assists and rebounding improved.

The most noticeable difference came away from the game.

“I opened up a lot, because I’m very quiet,” Gordon said. “I opened up a lot to my teammates and hung around with my teammates more. It was all about building the team chemistry.”

Coach Derek Kellogg said he could see a difference.

“He really became more open with his teammates and spent a lot more time associating himself with the guys,” Kellogg said. “I think it was one of those things that it just felt great that he was accepted for who he is. I thought he enjoyed his time with his teammates more. It was just nice to see a smile on his face.”

Gordon’s public announcement made news and his first game this season drew extra attention. Then the story drifted into the background.

“It was a huge story and I think it shows how far our country and people around it have come,” Kellogg said. “It was actually refreshing that it wasn’t a huge story when we went on the road. People were very accommodating and treated him the way he was supposed to be treated. And I think he appreciated that.”

Gordon said not once this season did he hear any heckling from fans about his sexuality.

“We played against St. Bonaventure and the St. Bonaventure crowd can be ridiculous,” he said. “They didn’t say nothing at all. It was all positive.”

Gordon said he noticed a tweet from the students who lead the St. Bonaventure student section that encouraged and reminded fans before the game to treat Gordon with respect.

“To see something like that was, man, my hats go off to them for the way they handled the whole situation,” Gordon said. “… Anywhere we went, everything was positive. I didn’t hear anything negative. No one came up to me.”

Gordon is leading a life that is not quite that of the typical 23-year-old college kid. His offseason schedule includes being an ambassador at the Miami Gay Pride parade in April. He also will be giving a speech at an awards ceremony in Boston for Jason Collins, the former professional basketball player who became the first openly gay man to play in the NBA.

“I’m going to do a speech about how he changed my life,” Gordon said. “Kind of suit-and-tie thing. Time to break out the suspenders. It’s going to be a very interesting next couple months. Fun.”

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UMass Guard Gordon Says Coming Out Let Him Focus on Game

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

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Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

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Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

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While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

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The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

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The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

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Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

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Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

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