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April 26, 1999 Duke's Burgess to transfer
SportsLine wire reports
DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke sophomore center Chris Burgess has been granted a request to transfer, school officials announced Monday.
A Mormon, Burgess had talked late in the season about possibly leaving the team to go on a two-year church mission. A statement released by the school did not address the issue. "He didn't indicate what he planned to do about that," said Duke sports information director Mike Cragg. Burgess is the third Blue Devil to leave the team in the past two weeks. Fellow sophomores Brand and William Avery had announced their intentions to enter the 1999 NBA Draft. Freshman Corey Maggette was also reportedly considering leaving early for the pros but hadn't made up his mind as of late last week. The deadline for underclassmen to send a letter to the NBA declaring for the draft is May 16. Burgess, Brand and Avery are the first Blue Devils to leave the school before their completing their senior seasons. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski supported Brand's decision but opposed Avery leaving early. BURGESS' DECISION APPARENTLY caught him off guard. "I am surprised by the decision and the timing of it," Krzyzewski said. "I certainly wish Chris and his family the best in the future." Duke went 37-2 last season, losing to Connecticut in the national championship game. Burgess was a Parade All-America out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif., but would have again competed for playing time next season. Krzyzewski lured a another stellar recruiting class that includes Nick Horvath, a 6-10 center from Arden Hills, Minn., and Casey Sanders, a 6-11 shot-blocking specialist from Tampa. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service Copyright 1999, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved |
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