Kevin Kaspar leaves WKU basketball team to return home to Turkey

WKU basketball senior guard Kevin Kaspar has told head coach Ray Harper and the public that he has left the Hilltoppers basketball program, and upon his graduation this month, will be returning to his home country of Turkey to pursue a professional career.

Kaspar spoke with Zach Greenwell of the Bowling Green Daily News, as well as Billy Rutledge and the College Heights Herald, and said the following Mr. Greenwell regarding the decision to leave the hill.

"It’s been a long six years away from my family, and if they didn’t support me, I wouldn’t be here right now. I want to thank everybody, but I told coach I want to take the opportunity back home. He was kind of disappointed, upset, but at the same time, he was all happy for me and wished me the best in everything.”– Kevin Kaspar on leaving WKU to pursue a professional career overseas"

Kaspar also said he had no idea there’d be a possibility for him to play professionally until he got word that teams over in Europe were interested. He’s unable to openly talk about it with an agent, however, as he’s still under scholarship. Kaspar also noted health concerns in his family as a reason he’s leaving.

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Kaspar will finish his career with 73 games played, 351 career points, and a field goal percentage of 35.8%. This season, he’s averaging just 10 minutes on the floor and two points, but a lot of that can be attributed to the very jammed guard position for the Tops. Kaspar suffered a pair of season-ending leg injuries – one his freshman year against UALR and one last year.

Ray Harper had this to say about what Kaspar means and how the decision process went on Kaspar’s end.

"First and foremost, I’d like to say what a terrific young man – probably one of my all-time favorites. A kid that’s battled through a couple of knee injuries. We texted a lot Saturday night, that he will be successful long, long after two weeks from now. He’s going to have a bright future. I understand the circumstances and wish him nothing but the absolute best.– Ray Harper on Kevin Kaspar and his decision to leave the WKU program"

Kaspar was a joy to watch on the floor for the Tops, and logged considerable minutes a couple of years ago when injuries riddled the WKU guards. That was also the same season the Tops took Kansas to the brink in the NCAA tournament. We wish Kevin the best of luck in his professional career, congratulate him on a great WKU career, and can’t wait to see the number’s he’ll put up as a ProTopper!

Kaspar tweeted this as a thank you to the WKU faithful over his career.