Collin Chandler, one of the top high school basketball recruits of his class, made waves in the college basketball world when he announced his decision to leave the Kentucky Wildcats and join the prestigious Duke Blue Devils. The move was a surprising one, given that Kentucky, under head coach John Calipari, has long been a dominant force in college basketball, attracting top-tier talent from across the nation. Duke, on the other hand, has consistently been a powerhouse under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski and now under Jon Scheyer, who inherited a program rich in tradition and success.
Chandler’s decision to make the leap from Kentucky to Duke was not made lightly. It was the culmination of a long and thoughtful process in which Chandler considered multiple factors that would ultimately guide him toward his next step in his basketball journey. In a recent interview, Chandler outlined the three primary motivations that influenced his decision to leave Kentucky and play at Duke. These motivations are deeply personal, strategic, and reflective of Chandler’s aspirations both as a basketball player and as a person.
1. The Opportunity to Play for Coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke Legacy
One of the most significant factors in Chandler’s decision was the opportunity to play under Duke’s new head coach, Jon Scheyer. Scheyer, who took over the program after Coach K’s retirement, has already demonstrated his ability to build a strong foundation for the Blue Devils. His style of play, his emphasis on player development, and his approach to building a family-like culture were all key reasons Chandler felt a strong connection to him and the program.
“I’ve always been a fan of Duke, not just because of their success but because of their commitment to developing players both on and off the court,” Chandler explained. “Coach Scheyer really stood out to me in how he talked about the future of the program, and it just felt like the right place for me to continue growing as a player.”
Duke’s rich history of success, with five national championships and countless players making an impact in the NBA, also played a large role in Chandler’s decision. The program’s culture, rooted in excellence, is a major draw for top recruits, and Chandler wanted to be a part of that tradition. He grew up watching Duke basketball and admired the program’s ability to produce not only successful basketball players but also well-rounded individuals.
Coach Scheyer’s ability to balance the expectations of the program while also emphasizing the growth and well-being of his players resonated with Chandler. He saw the potential for himself to be part of the next wave of talented athletes who would continue to carry on Duke’s legacy of success. “It’s not just about basketball at Duke,” Chandler noted. “It’s about developing the whole person, and that’s something I really value. I want to be in a place where I can grow as a player and as a person, and Duke offers that opportunity.”
2. The Appeal of a Stronger Player Development System
Another key factor in Chandler’s decision was the player development system at Duke. While Kentucky has a reputation for preparing players for the NBA, Chandler felt that the structure at Duke would offer him a different level of development. He recognized that Duke’s approach to individual growth, which blends a strong academic foundation with elite athletic training, would give him the best chance to reach his full potential.
“At Duke, they don’t just care about winning; they care about making sure you’re ready for the next step, whether that’s the NBA or life beyond basketball,” Chandler said. “I’ve talked to a lot of guys who’ve been through the program, and they all say the same thing: it’s a place that really invests in you.”
One of the most important aspects of Chandler’s decision was the opportunity to work closely with Duke’s renowned coaching staff, which has a track record of developing high-level players. Chandler has always been a highly skilled player, but he knew that to reach his ultimate potential, he would need to continue to refine his game in a system that prioritized player improvement.
The coaching staff at Duke, led by Scheyer, has made player development a central tenet of the program. From strength and conditioning coaches to assistant coaches, the entire staff works together to ensure that every player reaches their highest potential. Chandler was particularly impressed by the program’s commitment to individual attention and the holistic development of each athlete.
“I want to be pushed to be the best player I can be, and I felt like Duke was the place where I could really thrive in that environment,” Chandler said. “I know I’m going to be challenged every day, and that’s what I need to reach my goals.”
Duke’s player development extends beyond the court. Chandler was drawn to the program’s focus on academics and life skills, knowing that a Duke education would open doors both on and off the basketball court. The combination of elite basketball training and the academic rigor that Duke offers made the decision even easier for Chandler.
3. The Desire for a New Challenge and Fresh Environment
Perhaps one of the most personal motivations behind Chandler’s decision to leave Kentucky was his desire for a new challenge and a fresh environment. While Kentucky is undoubtedly a top-tier program, Chandler felt that a change of scenery was necessary for his personal growth. Having spent time in Kentucky’s system, Chandler realized that a different approach and a new atmosphere would better suit his goals.
“It wasn’t about Kentucky being a bad place or anything like that,” Chandler explained. “I just felt that I needed a new challenge, something that would push me to be better. I’m excited about the opportunity to start fresh at Duke and to challenge myself in new ways.”
Chandler’s decision to leave Kentucky and join Duke was also about testing himself in a different kind of competitive environment. While both programs are elite in their own right, Duke’s unique blend of high-level basketball and academic rigor offered Chandler a different set of challenges that would better prepare him for the next phase of his basketball career. At Duke, Chandler would be stepping into a team that was rebuilding after the departure of Coach K, which meant that he would have the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of the program.
“I think Duke offers me the chance to really make an impact right away, and that’s something that excites me,” Chandler said. “There’s a lot of talent at Duke, but there’s also an opportunity for me to carve out my own role and help lead the team to success.”
The decision to leave Kentucky was also about embracing the idea of growth through change. Chandler wanted to test himself in a new environment, one that would challenge him both on the court and in other areas of his life. Duke’s culture of excellence and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals aligned with Chandler’s own values and goals for his future.