Jean recommits to Tech after getting release

On Sunday morning, Louisiana Tech head basketball coach Eric Konkol got some good news when former Tech signee Derric Jean called and recommitted to the Bulldogs. Tuesday afternoon Jean sent his scholarship papers and medical history to Tech to finalize his decision.

Jean released a top 8 last Thursday and it included Florida Gulf Coast, Wofford, Saint Mary's, Tech, Murray State, Hawaii, Iona and Florida. Since he released the top 8, UNLV and University of Virginia have inquired. UVA coming Monday of this week.

Emotions were high for Jean when Mike White left Tech for Florida and had a lot to do with his request for a release from his National Letter of Intent. After reopening his recruitment became clear Tech was still the place for him.

"Initially, I signed under Coach White and he was the first to reach out to me from Louisiana Tech," Jean told BleedTechBlue.com Tuesday afternoon. "When [White] left emotions were high. But after a whole bunch of schools called me and were telling me how much I could help them and were basically all saying the same thing. I didn't give Coach Konkol a chance to re-recruit me. After I got my release I kept talking to Coach Konkol and I built a good relationship with him and that's enough of a reason to come back to Louisiana Tech."

Konkol and Jean have known one another for about 4 years and that existing relationship helped Konkol get Jean back to Tech.

"Coach Konkol has been watching me play the last 4 years. My only issue with Coach Konkol when he was at UM (Miami) he didn't call me and offer me. But, I didn't realize they only had one spot for this year."

"I am excited to coach Derric at Louisiana Tech," Konkol said. "I have known him for a long time as our paths crossed often while working at the University of Miami. He is an athletic and aggressive guard who plays with great energy. He fits in perfectly with how we want to play. Derric is dedicated to development and I'm looking forward to begin working with him soon."

Tech continuing the uptempo style of play also played a big factor in Jean's decision to come back to Tech.

Jean's family was a real source of support for him throughout the process after he received his release.

"[My family] told me they were with me all the way no matter the decision I was going to make."

Summer school is underway at Tech, but the quarter system has several options during the summer with 6-week and 3-week sessions of classes. July 13, the second session of those classes will begin. For Jean, the plan is for him to move to Ruston June 30.