University of Massachusetts guard Derrick Gordon has announced that he's gay, making him the first openly same-sex male player in Division I basketball.

In an interview with ESPN's Kate Fagan, Gordon said he came out to his family, coaches and teammates in the beginning of April, adding that his decision came shorlty after Brooklyn Nets signed veteran center Jason Collins acknowledged his sexuality in April 2013.

"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon told ESPN. "I didn't want to have to lie or sneak. I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a Division I player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?'"

He admitted that when Collins revealed his sexuality, he wanted to come out the "next day."

Gordom recalled back to his middle school years when he first discovered that he was gay. All throughout high school, he thought it was a phase, but eventually stopped fighting himself and decided to accept who he was.

"I just had a lot of time to myself, thinking, and I didn't know what I was waiting for," Gordon said. "I know who I am and I'm happy who I am."

UMass released a statement supporting Gordon's decision to come out.

"UMass is proud to have Derrick Gordon as a member of our athletic family and to honor his courage and openness as a gay student-athlete," athletic director John McCutcheon said in a written statement.

"People think gays are too soft to play a sport. From the looks of it, I know Michael Sam isn't soft...and for one, I'm not soft. I think people misinterpret that," Gordon added.

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