The long, awaited debut of Arizona big man Chase Jeter has come and gone, but the Wildcats’ squad and fans have found a solid contributor.
We’re already a few games into the season, and fans are getting a good idea as to who the next slew of Arizona Basketball stars will be. One of those in the making is none other than Wildcat big man, Chase Jeter.
A former McDonald’s All-American and Duke Blue Devil, Jeter left the dark side for the good, opening a new chapter of his life by transitioning to Tucson!
Arizona Wildcats
We all awaited his highly anticipated debut after the redshirt junior sat out all last season as per transfer rules. Finally, he made an appearance in the Arizona ‘Red & Blue’, and so far he surely hasn’t disappointed.
Perhaps a bit of a late bloomer, Jeter played in just two seasons in Durham, NC, appearing in 48 games for the Blue Devils, averaging just 2.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in just over 10 minutes played on average.
Coming to Tucson, I could imagine there were at least some concerns about the limited level of production for some fans. Now magnify that, once everyone realized Jeter would be following in the footsteps of a senior Dusan Ristic, and freshman sensation and overall No. 1 NBA Draft pick, Deandre Ayton.
There were so many unknowns heading into the season, but we could at least be hopeful that his talent was best suited at Arizona, and competing alongside Ristic and Ayton could only help.
So far it looks like the move paid off. Jeter is starting for the Wildcats and is doing some great things.
In just the two official games he’s played, he is averaging just over 13 points and eight rebounds per game. Granted it is early, but these are the type of results we’ve come to expect at Arizona.
There is a lot to like about Jeter’s game, but he is going to need to play well in order for the Wildcats to succeed this season. Unlike in years past, this team lacks the size it’s used to.
However, I think Jeter will prove to be a capable big man, able to be a post threat so long as he stays out of foul trouble and remains confident in his abilities.
Here is Jeter following his 16-point performance against Cal Poly just a few nights ago:
At Zona Zealots, we are happy for the continued development of Chase, and only hope he can continue to turn in performances like the ones he’s had so far! Bear Down, Arizona!