The maturation of a player in the Duke Basketball program is always an ongoing process.  One of the freshman who will be brought along in the system this season is Chase Jeter.  He most recently had a solid exhibition game in his last outing where he was an efficient 5 of 5 from the field while garnering 11 rebounds.

After his performance, Jeter did what is sure to make the staff happy in that he first pointed to his teammates.  "I can only attribute my play to my teammates.  They get after me each day in practice so it's all about the well-being of the team for me," stated the newcomer from California.

With the absence of Amile Jefferson who had an ankle injury, Jeter had a chance to step up on the front line.  It's  a well-known  fact around Duke Basketball that Mike Krzyzewski challenges his players to play big and that has been the case for Jeter when questioned on the tradition.  "Yes, he challenges us to be big and that happened today in practice.  We played  1-3-1 zone and guys have to play big and long.

Krzyzewski almost always shortens his bench as the season progresses and when asked if he thought he might be in that rotation Jeter answered, "You know, the thing with this team is everybody has such an important role.  Guys have to be ready to get on the floor no matter what happens."

Jeter was ready in the Blue Devils most recent exhibition game win but there is still plenty to learn ahead for the talented freshman.  It would seem he has the opportunity of steadying his role should he build off his last performance.

As for Chase Jeter's adjustment to Duke all seems fine.  "This place is home, man.  Coming out of high school I was ready to move on and start my life.  North Carolina is a great place for me and Duke is a great place for me.  I love it here", said Jeter.

West coast kids often face an adjustment but the Jeter family has already been able to see their son in action, "It's definitely tough at times with the schedule we have but my parents have already been able to come see me multiple times.  It's great for them to come out here and show their support.  I love my family and they do a great job," Jeter stated.

Jeter now has an extended family in Duke and this always helps a freshman with the as he adjusts to campus life and the academic and scheduling rigors at Duke.  Like most newcomers. the speed of the game is one of the first hills to climb and that holds true with Jeter as well.  "I am finally starting to adjust to the speed of the game now.  being able to play fast, run transition and block guys out puts you in a better position to succeed on the floor."

There was one sequence in the game where Jeter stole the ball, turned his body and rammed home a dunk in one continuous motion.  "That was just hustle, man.  That's the thing we do.  That's the thing we stress to bring the hustle and enthusiasm every game," said Jeter.

With the tutelage of fellow front court players in seniors Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee look for Jeter to continue to improve.  One thing is certain after talking to Jeter, that being he is putting in the work to be ready when his opportunities come.