Chase Jeter
- Year: Sophomore
- Height: 6-foot-10
- Position: Forward/Center
- Last year’s statline: 1.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.1 APG
Game Breakdown: As a freshman last season, Jeter came in off the bench in 32 of the Blue Devils’ 36 games. The 6-foot-10 big man struggled to stay on the court, failing to step into a bigger role and capitalize on Amile Jefferson's injury in December in part because he was a liability on defense. Jeter played defense more with his hands than with his feet last year, causing him to get into early foul trouble often. The Las Vegas native averaged one foul for every 4.3 minutes he played, which was a big reason why he only saw 7.9 minutes per game.
Jeter was slightly more successful on offense, shooting 55.3 percent from the field last year, but still struggled at times to catch entry passes cleanly in the past and go up strong against bigger defenders.
Role on the Team: Unfortunately for Jeter, his inability to step up last season forced Krzyzewski to pursue five-star center Marques Bolden heavily in the offseason. With Bolden’s arrival alongside the nation’s No. 1 recruit in Harry Giles as well as the return of Amile Jefferson, Jeter will certainly have to make the most of his minutes this season because they will come few and far between.
The sophomore spent a lot of time improving his game this summer, especially on the defensive end. This work finally appeared to show during Duke’s exhibition game against Augustana Friday, in which Jeter had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Although this was just one game against an inferior and undersized opponent, if Jeter can have stretches like this during the regular season, he’ll likely get an increase in minutes going forward.
NBA Comparison: Jeter can be compared to power forward Jordan Hill of the Minnesota Timberwolves. After struggling to find consistency during the first few years of his career, Hill finally broke out in the 2014-15 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. During that season, he saw a career-high 26.8 minutes per game and capitalized, averaging career highs in points and rebounds per game with 12.0 and 7.9, respectively. Like Jeter, Hill is primarily an offensive-minded forward who can finish near the rim and is a solid rebounder. If Jeter can stay on the court, look for the young sophomore's numbers increase across the board.
Projected stats: 4.2 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.3 APG
Stay tuned to the Blue Zone for our continuing player previews with sophomore Luke Kennard tomorrow. Previous players previewed include Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Frank Jackson, Marques Bolden, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles, Justin Robinson and Antonio Vrankovic.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.