Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Sophomore forward Semi Ojeleye to transfer from Duke

Livingstone v Duke

Livingstone v Duke

Getty Images

While it’s easy to assume that highly regarded high school recruits will earn significant playing time at the college program of their choice, things don’t always work out that way. Forward Semi Ojeleye arrived at Duke in 2013 as a Parade All-American, but thanks to the talent at Mike Krzyzewski’s disposal the sophomore found playing time difficult to come by.

After playing an average of 10.5 minutes per game this season, Ojeleye has decided to transfer. Duke announced the news via a press release Sunday afternoon. Ojeleye played in six of Duke’s eight games, averaging 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, and for his career the 6-foot-8 forward from Ottawa, Kansas played an average of 6.2 minutes per contest.

“We want to thank Semi and his family for their commitment to the Duke program for the last year and a half,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in the release. “He has been an excellent student and a great representative of our school and basketball program. He has been granted a full release and we definitely wish him the best.”

Ojeleye’s chances of earning a significant increase in minutes next season were likely slim, as five-star signee Chase Jeter will join the Duke front court rotation and Rice transfer Sean Obi will be eligible as well. Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee are both juniors, so they’ll be back as well.

Follow @raphiellej