Dec. 12, 2009
UTEP junior forward Derrick Caracter has met NCAA transfer eligibility requirements and will make his season debut on Sunday against New Mexico State.
The Miners (5-0) will host the Aggies (2-5) at 7:05 p.m. in the Don Haskins Center. Tickets are available by calling 747-5234.
"I'm happy for Derrick because he has gone through a lot of trials and tribulations, a lot of them self-inflicted," UTEP coach Tony Barbee said. "He has earned his way towards getting a second chance at UTEP. I'm happy for him, but I'm also happy for what he brings to our team. He will bring depth to an already stacked frontcourt. He becomes one of the pieces - not the only piece, but there's no denying that he makes us a better team through his contributions offensively, defensively and rebounding."
Caracter was regarded as one of the nation's top high school prospects before spending two seasons at the University of Louisville (2006-07, 2007-08). He averaged 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds as a freshman, and 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds as a sophomore. In 53 games for the Cardinals, Caracter scored in double figures 20 times. He tallied his career-high 24 points against BYU on Nov. 23, 2007.
The 6-9, 275-pound Caracter was rated the no. 6 prospect in the country by Hoop Scoop, no. 10 by Van Coleman, no. 12 by USA Today, no. 13 by Scout.com, no. 16 by Bob Gibbons and no. 25 by RivalsHoops after averaging 15.4 points and 7.1 rebounds for Notre Dame Prep his senior year. Notre Dame Prep was 27-3 and ranked no. 1 in the nation.
