What Does Chase Jeter’s Decision to Transfer Mean for Duke?
By Chris Brown
Sophomore forward Chase Jeter will leave the Blue Devils and transfer from the Duke Basketball program to another Division I school.
Earlier this week, sophomore forward Chase Jeter announced he will transfer from Duke University at the end of this semester. Jeter is the second Blue Devil to leave the program this season, joining freshman Jayson Tatum who declared for the NBA Draft.
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Chase Jeter appeared in 16 games for the Blue Devils this year averaging 2.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in less than 15 minutes per game. He showed improvement in playing limited minutes after playing a much larger role for Duke last season after the injury to Amile Jefferson, playing in 32 games.
His departure only leaves Luke Kennard and Antonio Vrankovic remaining in their class. Brandon Ingram was a first round draft pick last season and Derryck Thornton transferred at the end of last season. Kennard also has an opportunity to leave early, after an All-American season helped improve his NBA Draft stock.
Duke Blue Devils Basketball
The main outcome of Chase Jeter transferring is losing experienced depth in the post. Duke will lose Jefferson and Jeter would have been able to take on more of a leadership role as a junior next year. It’s possible Duke will also lose Harry Giles and Marques Bolden, which would thin their frontcourt rotation. He was viewed as a team-first player and great locker room presence. Jeter also excelled in the classroom earning two straight All-ACC Academic team honors.
However, Jeter’s decision could signify something else going on behind the scenes with Duke Basketball. The coaching staff praised the improvement of Antonio Vrankovic and his effort in practice this season, playing the 7-0 center ahead of Jeter. There is also a possibility of Bolden or Giles returning next year. Jeter might realize there would be no playing time in the frontcourt for him if one of those players return for their sophomore season, after struggling and failing to live up to expectations due to injuries.
Additionally, the Blue Devils will add talented incoming freshman forward Wendell Carter who is also projected to be a one-and-done player. Duke is also currently in the running to land 5-star PF Kevin Knox who is still undecided and recently met with Coach K.
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Chase Jeter will leave Duke in good standing and is planning to transfer to a school closer to his home in Las Vegas. We wish Jeter the best of luck going forward wherever he decides to continue his playing career.