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Derrick Byars Transferring to Vanderbilt 7/8/2004
Derrick Byars Transferring to Vanderbilt Rising junior swingman Derrick Byars, who played two seasons at the University of Virginia, is transferring to Vanderbilt, while rising junior guard Adam Payton is leaving the Commodore program. Byars, a 6-7, 215-pound product of Ridgeway High School in Memphis, Tenn., played in 31 games with 18 starts as a sophomore, averaging 7.5 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Cavaliers. The forward/guard shot 46.7 percent (85-of-182) from the field and 40.3 percent (25-of-62) from behind the three-point arc last season. As a freshman, he averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 31 games played with 16 starts. Byars will sit out the 2004-05 season due to NCAA transfer rules and have two years of eligibility beginning with the 2005-06 season. “We’re very excited to have Derrick become a part of our program,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Kevin Stallings said. “He is an excellent shooting small forward whom we recruited very aggressively out of high school. He will bring his toughness and versatility to our practices this coming year and will eventually take the court for us during the 2005-06 season.” Payton, a 6-3, 199-pound product of The Lawrenceville School in Burlington, N.J., averaged 2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds in 29 games without a start for the Commodores last year. As a freshman, he played in 23 games without a start, averaging 1.3 points and 0.2 rebounds. “Adam was looking for more playing time and we were supportive and very aggressive in helping him find the right situation,” Stallings said. “He is one of the best kids to ever be a part of our program, and we wish him the best.” |
